One of the stories that I have been keeping my eye on is the Miami Heat honoring Alonzo Mourning by retiring his number 33.
Alonzo Mourning was one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history. (He is currently listed as 11th all-time in NBA history in block shots with 2,356)
Mourning started his collegiate career at Georgetown where he was coached by legend John Thompson. He led the nation in block-shots as a freshman and was named three times an All-American.
Alonzo was drafted in the 1992 NBA draft with the second overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. He along with Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues brought some showtime to basketball in Charlotte and his buzzer-beater to beat Boston ranks among the best in NBA playoff history.
Mourning eventually joined the Miami Heat in a trade back in 1997. This eventually paired him up with Tim Hardaway and the Heat had many memorable runs in the playoffs, specifically against the New York Knicks. However Mourning and the Heat never turned the corner and it appeared that Mourning would go without his elusive championship.
Then it turned worst when Mourning in 2000 was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. This kidney-disease eventually forced him into retirement in 2003and it appeared that this would be the sad end to Mourning career.
Well, things got better for Mourning when he received a kidney transplant in 2003 and was back playing in a diminshed role with the New Jersey Nets in 2004. However, Mourning wanted to be back in Miami and eventually he found his way back in 2005.
In 2006, he teamed with Shaquille O'Neal and Dwayne Wade to bring an NBA title to Miami. Many people credit Mourning for his defensive intensity in the series and Mourning made plays that could shifted the momentum for either team.
Mourning eventually retired for good in 2009 as the Heat's all-time leading scorer and the only Heat player to have his number retired.
Congratulations to Alonzo for his spectular career and his giant heart.
Remembering Alonzo Mourning
