Alonzo Mourning

Alonzo Mourning is a retired professional basketball center. He finished his career the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association, announcing his retirement in January of 2009.

On March 30, 2009, the Miami Heat retired Mourning's #33 jersey. It is the first-ever jersey number retired by the team.ESPN.com: Heat retire Mourning's No. 33

On June 10, 2009, Florida governor Charlie Crist signed the Mourning kidney transplant bill, which will allow patients under 65 with end-stae renal disease receive Medigap insurance, in addition to Medicare, which allows the patient's name to be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. Mourning himself is a kidney transplant recipient.http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/11841621

Alonzo Mourning was born in Chesapeake, Virginia, on February 8, 1970. He attended Indian River High School and continued his education at Georgetown University. In 1992, Mourning was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the second pick in the NBA draft.Basketball-Reference.com: Alonzo Mourning

In his first season with the Hornets, Mourning quickly established himself as one of the elite players in the league, scoring 21 point and recording 10.3 rebounds per game. He was named to the all-rookie first team. Mourning is also widely regarded for his defense. He has won the NBA defensive player of the year award twice in his career, in 1999 and 2000. On December 19, 2003, Mourning underwent a kidney transplant.SI.com: Mourning to have kidney transplant Friday He returned to the NBA after recovering from surgery and helped the Miami Heat win the NBA Finals in 2006. As of 2008, Mourning had career averages of 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 31 minutes per game.NBA.com: Alonzo Mourning

• February 8, 1970: Born
• 1992: Drafted by Charlotte Hornets
• 1995: Traded to Miami Heat
• 2003: Signed by New Jersey Nets
• 2005: Signed by Miami Heat
• 2009: Retired from the NBA

• Mahalo's Guide to the Miami Heat
• ESPN.com : Career Stats
  • Height: 6-10
  • Weight: 261
  • Rookie Year: 1992

• February 8, 1970: Born

• 1992: Debuts with Charlotte Hornets

• 1995: Traded to Miami Heat

• 1999: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• 2000: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• 2000: Olympic Gold Medal

• 2003: Signs with New Jersey Nets

• 2003: Undergoes a kidney transplant

• 2005: Signs with Miami Heat

• 2006: NBA Champion with Miami Heat

• 2009: Retires from the NBA