John Rudometkin (2001) - USC Athletics Hall of Fame

John Rudometkin

Induction:
2001
Class:
1962

John Rudometkin, known as the “Reckless Russian,” played bigger than his 6-6 height while starring for the USC men’s basketball team. A 2-time All-American (1961-62), he set USC career records in points (1,484; the mark stood for 23 years), scoring average (18.8) and rebounding (831). He helped lead the Trojans to the 1961 conference title. A 3-year letterman (1960-62), he topped USC in scoring all 3 seasons and was Troy’s team MVP each year. He went on to play 3 seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks (1963-65) and San Francisco Warriors (1965). His career was cut short by a cancerous tumor around his heart and lungs, but he overcame the disease. He then became a real estate investor, a minister and a motivational speaker. He died on Aug. 4, 2015, at age 75.