Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Rudy Tomjanovich:

  • Full Name: Rudolph Tomjanovich Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born November 24, 1948
  • Hometown: Hamtramck, Michigan
  • Height: 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m)
  • Weight: 218 lbs (99 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 9 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey number 45 throughout his NBA career
  • Position: Small forward / Power forward
  • High School: Hamtramck High School (Hamtramck, Michigan)
  • College: University of Michigan (1967–1970)
  • NBA Draft: 1970, Round 1, Pick 2 by the San Diego Rockets

Teams Played For:

  1. San Diego / Houston Rockets (1970–1981)
  • Championship Rings:
    • As a coach: 2 (1994, 1995 with the Houston Rockets)
    • None as a player
  • Kids:
    Rudy Tomjanovich has three children with his wife, Sophie Tomjanovich:

    1. Leslie Tomjanovich
    2. Melissa Tomjanovich
    3. Rudy Tomjanovich III
  • Siblings: Rudy has a brother, Tom Tomjanovich, and a sister, Rose Tomjanovich.

Key Facts:

  • Rudy Tomjanovich was a five-time NBA All-Star as a player (1974–1977, 1979) and was known for his scoring, rebounding, and mid-range shooting abilities.
  • His playing career was cut short in 1981 after a life-threatening injury when he was punched by Kermit Washington during an on-court altercation, leading to a fractured skull.
  • After retiring as a player, Rudy became one of the most successful NBA coaches. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995.
  • He coined the famous phrase, “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion,” after the Rockets’ second title.
  • In 2020, Tomjanovich was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions as both a player and a coach.
  • Off the court, Rudy has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and has served as a scout and consultant for NBA teams.