Legendary Armenian-American Basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian Passes Away

LAS VEGAS (A.W.)—Legendary Armenian-American college basketball coach Jerry “The Shark” Tarkanian has died at the age of 84. Tarkanian’s son, Danny Tarkanian, broke the news to his Twitter followers earlier today.

Danny Tarkanian's Twitter post
Danny Tarkanian’s Twitter post

According to SI.com, Tarkanian was taken to Valley Hospital Medical Center by ambulance on Mon., Feb. 9, after being unresponsive when doctors attempted to get his blood pressure elevated. It was reported on Tuesday that Tarkanian was in critical condition, battling an undisclosed type of infection

Tarkanian was hospitalized last November after being treated for pneumonia. In April 2014, he spent over a week in the hospital after having a second heart attack.

Tarkanian boasted a 761-202 record in 30 seasons as a college basketball head coach with Long Beach State, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Fresno State. He retired in 2002.

He coached his teams to 18 NCAA tournament appearances and four Final Fours. He led the UNLV Rebels to the NCAA championship in 1990.

In November 2013, the Armenian National Committee-Western Region honored Tarkanian with its “People’s Champion” Award.

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