. . . Winter 2003 The Year of Yao
Rudy Tomjanovich was especially eager for the 2002-03 NBA season to begin. At the start of practice on a summer day early in training camp, he told the assembled squad about leadership: "Leadership is making sure everyone is taken care of. It is separation that will keep us from our goals." Known as a "players' coach"one who is considerate rather than imperious toward the athletesTomjanovich tries to makes sure his players are happy and united both on and off the court. His greatest challenge this year has been overseeing the transition of the NBA's newest superstar, Yao Ming, the 7' 5" No. 1 draft pick from China. Tomjanovich has brought the rookie along slowly. But Yao is already starting to show flashes of the dominance everyone expects from him, averaging 8 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 13 points a game in early February. Asked about how Yao was adjusting, Tomjanovich replied, "With year-round tournaments, a new team, a new language and country and all of the media attention, he doesn't just have a plateful, he's got a platterful. But he'll handle it as well as anybody. He's got an even temperament and a passion for the game, the team game. He'll do all right." Tomjanovich's four years at Michigan gave him similar preparation for his career. "Learning responsibility, teamwork, the value of friends" were hallmarks of his Wolverine years, he says. "There are many guys I met there who are still a big part of my lifeguys such as Bill Lyle, Bill Frauman and Steve Fishman." Rudy T. returns to Michigan almost every summer to visit old friends and relatives. This winter, Rudy T. made a special stopover Feb. 8 during the league's All Star Game break to attend a ceremony in Crisler Arena for the retirement of his jersey. He was just the second player in Michigan basketball history to have his jersey retired, joining former All-American and 1966 NCAA Player of the Year Cazzie Russell (1964-66). Russell's jersey has hung in Crisler since December 1993. "We are extremely pleased to recognize Rudy Tomjanovich," said Michigan basketball coach Tommy Amaker. "We at Michigan basketball have a very rich tradition, and Rudy is one of the cornerstones of our celebrated past. He has been a tremendous success as a Wolverine player, in his professional life and as a representative of this university." Still A Leader, Still Among the Best>>
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