Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Rudy Tomjanovich:

Player Profile

  • 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:
    • 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.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Rudy Tomjanovich’s player archetype was that of a skilled scoring forward, a smooth left-handed frontcourt weapon who blended face-up offense, rebounding, and dependable team play rather than operating as a bruising interior specialist. At 6-foot-8 and 218 pounds, he had good size for a forward of his era, and his defensive role was best framed as a solid positional defender and strong rebounder who used effort, awareness, and toughness more than pure shot-blocking or shutdown versatility. Offensively, Tomjanovich functioned as a primary scoring forward, capable of producing from mid-range, finishing inside, and giving Houston a reliable frontcourt option who could carry real scoring volume. His physical traits pointed to coordination, touch, and functional strength more than elite explosiveness, and his play style reflected that balance: polished, steady, and efficient, with enough skill to score heavily while still fitting into a structured team offense. (NBA)

Fun 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.

Sources:

NBA.com — Rudy Tomjanovich | Forward | Houston Rockets
Basketball-Reference — Rudy Tomjanovich Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Sports Reference CBB — Rudy Tomjanovich College Stats