by Lance Callihan
22. June 2009 04:43
Rudy Tomjanovich donned the Maize ‘n Blue from 1967 to 1970. He earned All-American status in 1970 while scoring 30.1 pts a game along with 15.5 rebs. Tomjanovich, in only three years, has the most rebounds in U of M history with 1,039.
Tomjanovich was drafted 2nd overall by the San Diego Rockets in 1970. He would play for the Rockets (moved to HOU in 1971) his entire eleven year career. Tomjanovich averaged 17.4 pts; 8.1 rebs while earning five all-star selections. He earned the nickname, “Rudy T,” simply because that was often put on the back of his jersey instead of his long name last name.
Some people only remember Tomjanovich for his coaching career, while others remember him for the Kermit Washington incident:
The brutal punch left him with life-threatening injuries and shattered bones in his jaw and face. Kermit Washington would be suspended for 26 games for his actions. At this time, the length of the suspension was unprecedented. He would return to the court the next season and earn his final all-star experience.
Tomjanovich retired from playing in 1981 and became a scout for the Rockets. He eventually moved up to assistant coach and was named the interim head coach in 1991-1992. He led the Rockets to consecutive NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. And became known for being a players coach while having an instinctive managerial style on the bench.
Tomjanovich’s jersey #45 was retired by the Rockets in 1981 and by the University of Michigan in 2003. On having his number retired by the Wolverines, Tomjanovich said, "I just want to say that they didn't have to do this for me. Michigan already made my dream come true in 1966 when they let me play here. I got a great basketball education here." He also was one of the initial members of Michigan’s Hall of Honor in 1979 and is recognized as a Wolverine Immortal by UMGoBlue.com.
Past Alumni’s of the Week: