Rudy Tomjanovich cheered by teammates, University of Michigan vs Indiana University Basketball Game, 1970

Rudy Tomjanovich cheered by teammates, University of Michigan vs Indiana University Basketball Game, 1970

(#45) Rudy Tomjanovich used an outstanding jump shot and a knack for grabbing rebounds to average 30 points and fifteen rebounds per game and earn All-America honors in 1970. An outstanding high school player in Hamtramck, Michigan, Tomjanovich's accomplishments in the first three years of play in Crisler Arena (1967-1970) made him one of Michigan's basketball immortals.

Over the course of three seasons, the 6-7 forward corralled 1,039 rebounds, still the highest total in Michigan history, and twice led the Big Ten in rebounding (1968-69 and 1969-70). He led the team in scoring in each of his three seasons, totaling 1,808 point, sixth on the all-time list. His 25.1 career scoring average ranks second only to Cazzie Russell. Tomjanovich still holds the Crisler Arena records for single game scoring and field goals (48 points and 21 field goals vs Indiana, 1/7/69) and single game rebounding record (27 in Michigan's first game in Crisler Arean vs Kentucky, 12/2/67). His best rebounding effort came against Loyola in 1969 when he grabbed 30 caroms - tops on the Michigan all-time list.

Tomjanovich was chosen by the San Diego (later Houston) Rockets with the second pick in the 1970 NBA draft. In a twelve year pro career, he compiled some impressive statistics: 13,383 points, 17.4 points per game average, .501 field goal percentage, 6,198 rebounds. His number 45 jersey was retired by the Rockets. In 1992 he was called upon to be a mid-season replacement as head coach of his former team. Two years later Rudy led the Rockets the NBA title and captured another one in 1996. - Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History.