Tark endorses UNLV docu

Greg Anthony was not able to make it to the Las Vegas premiere of HBO’s documentary on UNLV basketball, which debuts Saturday night, but he did speak to Jerry Tarkanian about it afterward.

Anthony, a CBS studio analyst, said the former Runnin’ Rebels coach mostly was pleased.

“He said his family liked it, but yeah, they talked about a few things that weren’t positive,’’ Anthony said, referring to Tarkanian’s long battle with the NCAA over alleged violations.

“But I said, ‘Coach, look, they have to paint the picture. You just have to let everyone else draw their own conclusions.’’’

One of the most effective themes is the impact of the UNLV program on the Las Vegas community, which finally had something to call its own instead of catering to visitors.

“When I was in fourth grade, I was a knucklehead kid,’’ said Anthony, who grew up in the city. "They told my mom, ‘If he were to do x, y and z he could one day play for UNLV.’ That changed my life.

“UNLV basketball was it in Vegas, and Tark was a god. I will never forget when he came to visit my home the entire neighborhood was out watching him just walk. Sitting in my living room I’m sweating, because to have him say you could be great is really powerful from someone who you revere.’’