Synopsis
Runnin’ Rebel: Shark Tales of “Extra Benefits,” Frank Sinatra, and Winning It All by Jerry Tarkanian, co-authored with Dan Wetzel and featuring commentary from Greg Anthony and Bob Knight, is a vibrant and unfiltered memoir that chronicles the storied career of one of college basketball’s most successful and controversial figures. Known as “Tark the Shark,” Tarkanian recounts his 31 seasons in NCAA Division I basketball, particularly his transformative 19 years as head coach of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, where he amassed an impressive 778–202 record, placing him among the winningest coaches in the sport’s history. The book serves as both a celebration of his achievements—leading UNLV to a 1990 national championship and three other Final Four appearances—and a scathing critique of the NCAA’s hypocrisy, detailing the relentless scrutiny he faced for his outspokenness and unconventional approach to recruiting. Through a blend of humor, heartbreak, and candid storytelling, Tarkanian paints a vivid picture of his journey from a scrappy kid in Fresno to a coaching legend whose battles with the NCAA and friendships with celebrities like Frank Sinatra defined his colorful career.
The memoir begins with Tarkanian’s early life, touching on his immigrant roots and his time as a young athlete, but quickly shifts to his coaching career, starting with high school basketball in 1956 and moving to junior colleges before breaking into NCAA Division I at Long Beach State. His tenure at UNLV, however, forms the heart of the book, where he transformed the Runnin’ Rebels into a powerhouse known for their fast-paced, high-energy style. Tarkanian shares wild tales of recruiting battles, including questionable tactics by rivals like USC allegedly using a dentist to lure players, and his own willingness to take chances on “questionable kids” who others overlooked, many of whom went on to NBA success (42 of his players were drafted). He doesn’t shy away from the controversies that dogged him, particularly the NCAA’s investigations into “extra benefits” and recruiting violations, which he argues were unfairly targeted at him while bigger programs escaped scrutiny. His legal victory over the NCAA, a landmark case exposing their biased practices, is a point of pride, underscoring his role as a rebel fighting a corrupt system.
Tarkanian’s narrative is peppered with entertaining anecdotes, from the absurd—like eating a free prime rib dinner to smooth over a recruiting dispute—to the glamorous, such as his friendships with Las Vegas icons like Frank Sinatra, whose celebrity orbit added a surreal layer to coaching in America’s glitziest city. He reflects on his greatest teams, including the 1990 championship squad featuring stars like Larry Johnson and Greg Anthony, and shares behind-the-scenes stories of their dominance and the electric atmosphere of Las Vegas fandom. Yet, he’s candid about his failures, including a lackluster stint with the San Antonio Spurs and struggles at Fresno State later in his career. Tarkanian also addresses accusations of racism from UNLV’s administration, particularly president Robert Maxson, suggesting tensions over his predominantly Black teams’ success fueled institutional pushback.
The book’s tone is conversational and authentic, reflecting Tarkanian’s reputation as a hardworking, loyal coach who saw himself as a teacher first, deeply invested in his players’ growth. He acknowledges bending rules but insists he was no saint, arguing that “nine out of ten” major programs engaged in similar practices, a claim that resonates with his broader critique of the NCAA’s greed and disregard for student-athletes. Readers learn quirky details, like why he famously chewed a white towel on the sidelines (a nervous habit), and get a sense of his genuine care for his players, many of whom came from tough backgrounds. While some critics note the writing isn’t polished and Tarkanian occasionally deflects blame, the memoir shines for its raw honesty and engaging stories, enhanced by an afterword from Greg Anthony. Runnin’ Rebel is a must-read for college basketball fans, offering a front-row seat to the highs and lows of a legendary career and a provocative look at the underbelly of the sport, all told by a coach who never backed down from a fight.