LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV's tribute to Jerry Tarkanian, which sits in front of the Thomas & Mack Center, was named the best college basketball statue in the country, the NCAA announced on Wednesday as part of its "High Five" series.

On Oct. 30, 2013, the UNLV Alumni Association unveiled the 2,000 pound bronze statue of legendary Coach Jerry Tarkanian. It was one part of the Jerry Tarkanian Legacy Project, which is to honor the career and contributions of legendary basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian to the game of basketball, UNLV, and Southern Nevada. There are two components to the project: (1) a bronze statue of Coach Tarkanian and (2) a UNLV student scholarship fund in his name.

The statue portion of the project was made possible thanks to a major gift by Chip '71 and Helen Johnson and donations from alumni and fans.

For more information about the project, please visit: https://connect2.unlv.edu/tark