From ESPN.com...
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HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich will be out indefinitely as he begins treatment for cancer on the surface of his bladder.
The Rockets will have to hold off the Suns for the West's final playoff berth without Rudy Tomjanovich coaching them.
Tomjanovich, who had been expected to rejoin his team for tonight's home game against the Los Angeles Lakers, told reporters Wednesday he will take a leave of absence as he begins weekly treatments.
"After all the things that have gone on, in talking with the doctors and in talking with (owner Les Alexander), we've all agreed that the best thing for me to do is to take a leave of absence," Tomjanovich, 54, said. "I believe it will be the best thing for me to do at this time."
The Rockets, 37-33 and vying for a berth in the Western Conference playoffs, have 12 games remaining in the regular season.
Tomjanovich announced March 16 he would undergo testing for a bladder condition. Two days later, team physician Dr. James Muntz said the coach had transitional cell cancer on his bladder, which would be treatable by applying medication to the organ without surgery.
The team initially said Tomjanovich would rejoin the team during a five-game road swing it began the day of his test, then announced he would miss the entire trip. The Rockets went 2-3 under interim coach Larry Smith.
Smith will continue to coach the Rockets on Wednesday in the third clash between star centers Shaquille O'Neal of the Lakers and Rockets rookie Yao Ming.
Tomjanovich said he got over a bladder infection about a month ago and went in for routine follow-up testing. One came back negative, but another came back positive for cancer, leading to the more extensive test March 17 that confirmed the abnormal cells.
Tomjanovich never had missed a game in 11 seasons as head coach.
He has spent his entire 33-year professional career with the Rockets as player, scout, assistant coach and head coach. He led the Rockets to consecutive NBA championships in 1994 and '95.
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That sure does suck. I hope everything goes well for him and he can make a comeback to coaching soon...
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HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich will be out indefinitely as he begins treatment for cancer on the surface of his bladder.
The Rockets will have to hold off the Suns for the West's final playoff berth without Rudy Tomjanovich coaching them.
Tomjanovich, who had been expected to rejoin his team for tonight's home game against the Los Angeles Lakers, told reporters Wednesday he will take a leave of absence as he begins weekly treatments.
"After all the things that have gone on, in talking with the doctors and in talking with (owner Les Alexander), we've all agreed that the best thing for me to do is to take a leave of absence," Tomjanovich, 54, said. "I believe it will be the best thing for me to do at this time."
The Rockets, 37-33 and vying for a berth in the Western Conference playoffs, have 12 games remaining in the regular season.
Tomjanovich announced March 16 he would undergo testing for a bladder condition. Two days later, team physician Dr. James Muntz said the coach had transitional cell cancer on his bladder, which would be treatable by applying medication to the organ without surgery.
The team initially said Tomjanovich would rejoin the team during a five-game road swing it began the day of his test, then announced he would miss the entire trip. The Rockets went 2-3 under interim coach Larry Smith.
Smith will continue to coach the Rockets on Wednesday in the third clash between star centers Shaquille O'Neal of the Lakers and Rockets rookie Yao Ming.
Tomjanovich said he got over a bladder infection about a month ago and went in for routine follow-up testing. One came back negative, but another came back positive for cancer, leading to the more extensive test March 17 that confirmed the abnormal cells.
Tomjanovich never had missed a game in 11 seasons as head coach.
He has spent his entire 33-year professional career with the Rockets as player, scout, assistant coach and head coach. He led the Rockets to consecutive NBA championships in 1994 and '95.
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That sure does suck. I hope everything goes well for him and he can make a comeback to coaching soon...
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