Alonzo Mourning facts for kids
Mourning with the Miami Heat in 2007
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| Miami Heat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Vice President of Player Programs and Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | February 8, 1970 Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S. |
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| High school | Indian River (Chesapeake, Virginia) |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 261 lb (118 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College | Georgetown (1988–1992) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NBA Draft | 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Charlotte Hornets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 1992–2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League | NBA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1992–1995 | Charlotte Hornets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–2003 | Miami Heat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003–2004 | New Jersey Nets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2008 | Miami Heat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Career NBA statistics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Points | 14,311 (17.1 ppg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rebounds | 7,137 (8.5 rpg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blocks | 2,356 (2.8 bpg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Alonzo Harding Mourning Jr. (born February 8, 1970) is a famous American former professional basketball player. He played most of his 15-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Miami Heat. Since 2009, he has worked for the Heat as the Vice President of Player Programs and Development.
People often call him "Zo". Alonzo Mourning played as a center. He was known for his strong defense. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice and was on the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. A big moment in his career was winning the 2006 NBA championship with the Heat after having a kidney transplant. He also played for the Charlotte Hornets and New Jersey Nets. In 2009, he became the first Miami Heat player to have his jersey number retired. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019.
Contents
Early Life and High School Success
Alonzo Harding Mourning Jr. was born in Chesapeake, Virginia, on February 8, 1970. He went to Indian River High School. There, he became an amazing basketball player. He led his team to 51 wins in a row and a state championship in 1987. In his senior year, he scored about 25 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked 12 shots per game. He was named Player of the Year by several groups, showing he was the top high school player in 1988.
College Basketball at Georgetown
Mourning played college basketball for Georgetown University under coach John Thompson. He made a big impact right away as a freshman. He started every game and averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. He also led the country in blocked shots with 169, which was an NCAA record for a freshman.
His scoring and rebounding got better in his second and third years. After his teammate Dikembe Mutombo left for the NBA, Mourning became the starting center again. In his senior year (1991–92), he had an amazing season. He averaged 21.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game. He won many awards, including being named a First-Team All-American. He was also named Big East Defensive Player of the Year three times during his college career.
Alonzo finished his college career with over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. He also had 453 blocked shots, which was a record at the time.
Alonzo Mourning's NBA Journey
Starting Strong with the Charlotte Hornets (1992–1995)
The Charlotte Hornets picked Alonzo Mourning as the second overall player in the 1992 NBA draft. In his first year, he was named to the league's All-Rookie team. He averaged 21.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.47 blocks per game. He was second in the Rookie of the Year voting, right behind Shaquille O'Neal.
A memorable moment from his rookie year was in the playoffs against the Boston Celtics. He made a shot with less than a second left to win the game for the Hornets. This helped them win the series. The next year, the Hornets didn't make the playoffs. In the 1994–95 season, Mourning and teammate Larry Johnson led the Hornets to 50 wins. Mourning was their top player in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. He also played in the 1995 NBA All-Star Game.
Becoming a Star with the Miami Heat (1995–2003)
In November 1995, the Hornets traded Mourning to the Miami Heat. He quickly became a key player for the Heat, coached by Pat Riley. In his first season, he averaged 23.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. He played in the 1996 NBA All-Star Game.
In 1996, Mourning signed a big contract with the Heat. The team had a great season in 1996–97, winning 61 games. Mourning averaged 19.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks. In the playoffs, the Heat had a tough rivalry with the New York Knicks. After a fight in one game, some players were suspended. Mourning helped the Heat win the series and reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time. They lost to the Chicago Bulls.
Mourning continued to be a defensive force. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1999 and 2000. He also led the league in blocks both years. Despite his efforts, the Heat kept losing to the Knicks in close playoff series.
In 2000, after playing for the U.S. Olympic team, Mourning was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease. He missed most of the 2000–01 season. He returned for 13 games, but the Heat lost in the first round of the playoffs. He played 75 games in the 2001–02 season and was an All-Star again. However, the Heat missed the playoffs. He then missed the entire 2002–03 season because of his kidney problem.
A Short Time with the New Jersey Nets (2003–2004)
Mourning signed with the New Jersey Nets in 2003. After playing only 12 games, he announced his retirement due to his kidney disease. On December 19, 2003, he had a successful kidney transplant. He later tried to play for the Nets again in 2004, but he wasn't happy there. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors, but he never played for them.
Returning to the Miami Heat and Winning a Championship (2005–2008)
Alonzo Mourning rejoined the Heat in March 2005. He played a different role, coming off the bench to back up superstar Shaquille O'Neal. Even with less playing time, he was a strong contributor. He was great at defense and helped the Heat get the top spot in the Eastern Conference. He finished third in the league in blocked shots per game. The Heat made it to the Eastern Conference Finals but lost to the Detroit Pistons.
In the 2005–06 season, Mourning continued as a backup center. He played a big part in the Heat's success. Miami made it to the 2006 NBA Finals, which was a first for the team and for Mourning. They were down 2-0 in the series, but with amazing play from Dwyane Wade and strong defense from Mourning, they came back. In Game 6, Mourning had 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks. This helped the Heat win their first NBA championship!
After winning the championship, Mourning decided to play one more year with the Heat. He said the 2007–08 season would be his last. Sadly, he tore a tendon in his right knee in December 2007, which ended his playing career.
Retirement and Hall of Fame
Alonzo Mourning officially announced his retirement from the NBA on January 22, 2009. He said he had given all he could to the game. A month later, the Miami Heat retired his number 33 jersey. He was the first Heat player to receive this honor. Many important people, including his former coach and teammates, spoke at the ceremony.
In 2014, Mourning was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2019, he was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. These honors recognized his amazing career in basketball.
After retiring from playing, Mourning returned to the Miami Heat in 2009. He now works as the Vice President of Player Programs and Development. In this role, he helps with community outreach and mentors young players.
Awards and Achievements
- 2006 NBA champion (as a player)
- 7-time NBA All-Star: 1994–1997, 2000–2002
- All-NBA First Team: 1999
- All-NBA Second Team: 2000
- 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year: 1999, 2000
- 2-time NBA All-Defensive First Team: 1999, 2000
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1993
- J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award: 2002 (for community service)
- 2-time NBA blocks leader: 1999, 2000
- Won gold medals with the U.S. national team at the 1994 FIBA World Championship and the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Won a bronze medal at the 1990 FIBA World Championship with the U.S. national team
- McDonald's All-American Game MVP: 1988
- Mr. Basketball USA: 1988
- Naismith Prep Player of the Year: 1988
- USA Today High School Player of the Year: 1988
- 2× First-team Parade All-American: 1987, 1988
- Virginia Mr. Basketball: 1988
Helping Others (Charitable Work)
Alonzo Mourning is also known for his charity work. In 1997, he started Alonzo Mourning Charities Inc. This organization helps children and families who are facing challenges. It provides support and services to help young people succeed.
After he was diagnosed with a kidney disease called focal glomerulosclerosis, Mourning started "Zo's Fund for Life". This campaign raises money for research, education, and testing to fight the disease. The funds help find a cure, teach doctors and the public, and provide testing for early detection.
In 2007, Mourning helped create Athletes for Hope. This group helps professional athletes get involved in charity work. It also encourages many other people to volunteer and support their communities.
In 2003, he founded the Overtown Youth Center in Miami, Florida. This center helps kids who are less fortunate. It aims to inspire and teach them to become positive members of society.
In 2009, a new high school in North Miami, Florida, was named in his honor: Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus.
Personal Life
Alonzo Mourning and his ex-wife Tracy have three children. His oldest son, Trey Mourning, also played basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas, wearing his father's number 33 jersey.
Kidney Transplant
In 2003, Alonzo Mourning was very sick with a serious kidney disease. His cousin, Jason Cooper, heard about this and offered to donate one of his kidneys. After tests showed they were a match, Alonzo received his cousin's kidney on December 19, 2003. This successful transplant allowed him to return to playing basketball.
See Also
In Spanish: Alonzo Mourning para niños
- List of NBA career blocks leaders
- List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career blocks leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season blocks leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career free throw scoring leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds
