Rebels to rule inductions

For those planning to attend the 2008 Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies June 6 at the Orleans Arena, it might be appropriate to wear red.

This year's induction class has a strong UNLV link, as former basketball star Larry Johnson, longtime baseball coach Fred Dallimore and former assistant football coach Rich Abajian will be enshrined, along with women's bowling great Wendy McPherson and motor sports promoter Mel Larson.

Johnson, a key member of UNLV's 1990 national championship team, a two-time All-American and the 1991 John Wooden Award winner, joins teammate Greg Anthony and coach Jerry Tarkanian in the Southern Nevada hall.

"Now that I'm pushing 40, I'm realizing the impact I had on Las Vegas," said Johnson, who turns 39 on March 14. "Looking back on it, my Vegas years were probably the best of my basketball life. It did so many great things for me. It put me on a pedestal."

In December, Johnson completed his bachelor's degree at UNLV, keeping a promise he made to his late mother, Dortha, that he would finish school after a 10-year NBA career. He was drafted No. 1 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1991, was NBA Rookie of the Year in 1991-92 and was a two-time NBA All-Star.

"Going in with Coach Tark and Greg, it feels like family," Johnson said.

For Dallimore, the news that he was being inducted caught him completely off guard.

"I had no idea, but I'm excited about going in," said Dallimore, who coached at UNLV for 23 seasons and averaged more than 34 wins per season. "To be recognized by people outside your sport and be with so many people from different walks of life makes it a special honor."

Dallimore, 63, now retired and living in Reno, is a member of both the UNLV and UNR athletic halls of fame. He said this honor is not just about himself.

"The sad thing is I get all the credit when the real credit goes to all the players and coaches. They deserve it just as much as I do," he said.

Abajian, a former football player at UNR and an assistant football coach at UNLV under Tony Knap from 1977 to 1981, is being inducted for his community efforts on behalf of area youth. As general manager of Findlay Toyota, he has spearheaded numerous fundraising efforts throughout the years for local sports programs.

"I wish I had gotten in as a coach or an athlete," said Abajian, 54. "But it's a bigger honor to get in for having helped others."

Larson, a 40-year resident of Las Vegas, was one of the key figures in putting together the group that financed Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He envisioned a super speedway to host major motor sports events, and through his friendships, he brought Bill Bennett, Richie Clyne and Ralph Englestad together to finance the project.

"I didn't envision it being this big," Larson, 78, said of the speedway. "But with all the growth of the city and the sport, I'm very proud and excited to have played a small part."

McPherson, who won 20 career professional titles and made $1.2 million while carrying a 211 lifetime average, was the female bowler of the decade for the 1990s. She burst upon the pro bowling scene with her victory in the 1986 U.S. Open. At 18, she was the youngest Open champion.

A resident of Southern Nevada since 1991, McPherson, 40, bowled 28 perfect games in her career.

Tickets for the induction banquet are on sale through the hall's Web site, snshf.com.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2913.