I am really going to miss seeing Rudy T on the Bench next year. He was Rockets basketball- he was tough, passionate, and a champion, with the 3 of those being triats not often associated with Houston sports. The last one was never associated with Houston until Rudy came along, and along with Hakeem, Mario, Clyde, Robert, Sam, and Kenny, created Clutch City. Best of luck to Rudy is retirement- Im glad he'll be staying on in some capacity, but he will be missed on the bench.
Rudy, thank you so much for providing Houston sports fans with the best sports moments in the history of the city. What a career (not that it is over)! You have done it all: great player, great coach, USA champion, NBA champion. You are just a GOLD METAL PERSON! Nothing but class! May God Bless you with his eternal Grace which is in Christ Jesus!
Rudy "Clutchcity" Tomjanovich. And like the "have a heart-attack" hard worker he is he will benefit the Rockets in any position that he serves them in. Here's to you Rudy, down but not out RUDYBALL
Basketball or not Rudy T is the true meaning of heart. He can speak with authority in every way. Be happy Rudy! Thank you for everything. Rudy T for Mayor!
I was thinking the same thing when I first heard the news and I would love to see it happen. I would even think that the people that wanted him gone a season or two ago would be for it. So if it was to happen, what would everybody want? A statue of him as a player or as a coach? Well, I would like to see him there as a coach. A statue of him in a suit and tie with his fists in the air like he was when he was running on to the court when the Rockets won the championship. That would be great. Blatz
I'm with you there. He definately needs to be portrayed as a coach. I'm one of those that thought he should be gone at the end of this season. I was dissatisfied last season but willing to let it slide, not this last season though. He'll go to the hall and should get his statue as a coach. Unless Les sells the naming rights to the court it should be named after Rudy as well...
Could not agree more! This statue would be perfect! However, I would want a Hakeem statue somewhere, with a Rudy statue somewhere else. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Rudy is the best coach this city has ever seen. I really wanted to see Rudy become the first coach to win two championships with completely different players with the same franchise. But it wasnt meant to be. He has recieved some criticism this past season but now thats is over and done with only positve things should be said about this man. Rudy thanks for the hard work that you have put into this team. thanks for everything
"However, I would want a Hakeem statue somewhere, with a Rudy statue somewhere else. Not that there's anything wrong with that." ---------------------------- Not at all. I would want them to be in different places too or at least not right next to each other, cause it's not like the Craig and Jeff statues at MMP where, I think, they will always be remembered together. Hakeem and Rudy, that was the heart and soul of The Rockets. So if there is going to be a Hakeem statue then I think Rudy deserves one too...somewhere. Blatz
There is nothing I can say except thanks. I know the last couple years have been difficult, but nothing, nothing can tarnish what Rudy T accomplished during his tenure with the Rockets. Whoever gets hired has some pretty big shoes to fill.
In many ways, Rudy T. is the Houston Rockets. He's been with us since the franchise moved, and has brought the most success to the team and the city. Everyone remembers the 'heart of a champion', but to me, I'll always remember that Rudy had the balls to backup the heart. The two things that stand out in my memory: 1. How many people would have made the comeback he did after the terrible injury he sustained? Kermit can rationalize the moment all he wants (and continues to do so, even today), but the fact is he almost took Rudy's life for no greater reason than he (Kermit) was pissed. I think 99 people out of 100 would have left basketball behind them forever, but Rudy just had too much guts to back down. He not only continued playing, he stuck with his team, eventually leading them to the promised land as a coach. 2. In the modern era of prima donna players, how many coaches, after their team came from the 6th seed to play in the Finals, would reprimand the team after taking a lead in the series? Rudy did just that in 1995. He stopped practice, and told them, in no uncertain terms, that they needed to get their sh*t together. Anyone who questions whether or not Rudy is commited to winning needs to keep these incidents in mind. Rudy T. always has been, and always will be, a winner where it counts the most: in life.
As we all know Pippen raped this organization and stabbed rudy and charles in the back. But after all that he put rudy through, I have yet to hear any negative commennts about pippen out of Rudy's mouth. Now that is class! Thanks Rudy!
I have been a harsh critic of late on Rudy's coaching, but there is no denying that this man was a true Rocket. I will never forget the 2 championships and all the hard work that this man has done for the organization. I hope you get well, Rudy, and I wish you all the luck in your future endeavors.
