Armenia’s basketball team beats Costa Rica in Fresno
In honor of the late great Jerry Tarkanian, the Armenia National basketball team played an exhibition game against Costa Rica on Friday night.
The setting was at Fresno City College where hundreds showed up inside the Rams gymnasium for the Tarkanian Classic, where organizers said it will not be a one-time event.
“Bringing the Armenian National Team and Costa Rica to the Fresno area is a tremendous opportunity for our Armenian and Latin communities to see their national teams in action and personally connect with the players,” Armenia head coach Rex Kalamian said, also a Milwaukee Bucks assistant. “What makes this event even more special is the chance to honor Coach Jerry Tarkanian and recognize his tremendous impact on the game and the Central Valley.”
Armenia went on to defeat Costa Rica 86-62.
Fans in attendance chanted ‘defense’ when Costa Rica had the ball then cheered when Armenia scored a basket. It was a pro-Armenian crowd, where many live in the Fresno-area.
Danny Tarkanian thanked many in attendance for showing up.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the people of Fresno, particularly the Armenian community to come out and support this event,” he said.
“My dad went to college here (Fresno State). He has all of his friends here. He has all the Armenian community that supported him when he was hired in Fresno State and his seven years as a coach here. They’re great people and they’re great basketball fans.”
The hope for Team Armenia is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. But first, it’s about fine turning in the exhibition.
In 2024, Armenia won the Los Angeles International Basketball Cup.
“We have a lot of fun,” Armenia forward Zach Tavitian said. “This is our third year now. We played France a couple years ago. Last year Ireland and Guatemala. Now Costa Rica. We love having fans out here and they give us a great “turnout” every single year.”
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