Rudy T. Medical Update

Mar. 20, 2003 (HOUSTON) - The Houston Rockets announced today that Head Coach Rudy Tomjanovich would not be joining the team on its current West Coast road trip as initially planned. On the advise of Rockets team physician James Muntz, Tomjanovich will remain at his home in Houston. A further medical evaluation regarding his return will be conducted when the team returns from its five-game trip that concludes against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, March 24.

“It typically takes a few days to recover completely from the effects of the test procedure Rudy underwent on Monday,” said Dr. Muntz. “We felt it would be in Rudy’s best interest to remain in Houston and to allow him to slowly return to his typical work load.”

On Tuesday, Tomjanovich was diagnosed with a superficial cancerous tumor on his bladder lining. He will begin weekly medical treatments beginning in two weeks. Assistant coach Larry Smith will continue in his role as acting head coach pending Tomjanovich’s return.