|
PRINT
THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE
Sunday, April 27, 1997
Rockets coach to lead USA team
HOUSTON (AP) - Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich was appointed
on Saturday to coach the United States' "dream team"
for the 1998 FIBA World Championships of Basketball.
The international competition takes place every even-numbered
year when there are no Summer Olympics. Next year's event is scheduled
for July 29 through Aug. 9 in Athens, Greece.
"I just have to say I'm extremely flattered, because there
are so many great coaches out there, and one of the biggest honors
you can have is to represent your country in the World Games,"
Tomjanovich said.
In 5-1/2 seasons, Tomjanovich has led the Rockets to two NBA
championships and has a 281-159 regular season record.
"I know they could have picked other people who are very
qualified," Tomjanovich said."I think it's going to
be a fantastic experience. Almost an adventure."
Tomjanovich said he was informed of his selection April 18
in a phone call from NBA senior executive vice president Rod Thorn.
"When Rod started talking, I really didn't know what the
deal was about," Tomjanovich said. "I was taking my
pre-game nap. I got up and started talking and I really didn't
understand what it was. I thought it was just some all-star team."
Thorn called Tomjanovich "one of the best coaches in the
world and not just the NBA. He is a special talent and has done
a wonderful job with two championship teams and extra-competitive
teams over his time in Houston."
The United States won the event in 1994, the first time it
used NBA players, as it did in the last two Olympics. Send
a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend:
Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
Send
the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend:
|
