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Assistant Coach Kurt Rambis Honored by Alma Mater

Dec 31 2008 2:06PM

In his four years at Santa Clara from 1976-1980, Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis became the school's all-time leading scorer (1,736) and second-leading rebounder, and went from being the WCC Freshman of the Year to the Conference Player of the Year as a senior.

Rambis "I'm really excited and honored to be back at Santa Clara," said Rambis at his press conference. "I fully enjoyed my educational and athletic experience here ... It was the right university for me."

Rambis was in Santa Clara to have his jersey retired by the Broncos in a halftime ceremony at Monday evening's victory over Belmont in the opener of the Cable Car Classic. Before the contest, Rambis spoke about why he went to Santa Clara in the first place.

"I knew I'd get an opportunity to play as a freshman, I knew I'd get a solid education, it was close to home and I love the size of the school," he said.

Rambis explained that rather than picking out one particular memory from his school days, he really enjoyed a variety of things: his time on the court; practicing with friends; playing football and softball; living in his dorm; his classes and so on.

He also talked about which of his seven championship rings were his favorites:
"I have two favorites, one I won as a rookie in 1982, and the second in '85 when we beat the Celtics, which is the first time the Lakers organization beat the Celtics in the Finals," Rambis said.