Ronny Turiaf Facts for Kids

Men's Basketball

Representing France
FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
Gold	2000 Croatia	U-18 Team
FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
Bronze	2002 Lithuania	U-20 Team

Ronny Turiaf is a French former professional basketball player. He played for 10 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ronny grew up in France and played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the United States. In his final year, he was the top scorer in the West Coast Conference (WCC).

After college, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2005 NBA draft. He also played for other teams like the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks. Ronny won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2012. He was also a member of the French national team. In 2020, he was added to the French Basketball Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
College Basketball Career
Professional Basketball Journey
- Joining the Los Angeles Lakers
  - Lakers Highlights
- Moving to Other Teams
Playing for France
Personal Life and Charity Work
See also
Images for kids

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Ronny Turiaf was born in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Martinique is a French island in the Caribbean Sea. He spent most of his childhood there. When he was 15, Ronny moved to Paris in 1998. His father suggested he go to the National Institute of Physical Education (INSEP). This school helps young athletes train at a high level while also getting a good education.

In 1999, Ronny joined the French Under-18 national team. He helped his team win a gold medal in 2000. This was at the 2000 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. Future NBA stars like Tony Parker were also on that team.

College Basketball Career

In 2001, Ronny left France to attend Gonzaga University. This university is in Spokane, Washington, USA. He played basketball there for four years. For his last three years at Gonzaga, he was named First Team All-WCC. This means he was one of the best players in his college league.

In his senior year (2004–05), he was named the WCC's Player of the Year. He finished his college career as one of Gonzaga's top players. He was fourth in scoring and rebounding in the school's history. Ronny earned degrees in sports management, communication, and French. He was the first person in his family to get three degrees.

Professional Basketball Journey

Joining the Los Angeles Lakers

Ronny Turiaf was chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2005 NBA draft. He was the 37th player picked overall. Soon after, doctors found a heart issue during a physical exam. The Lakers had to cancel his contract because of this. However, they paid for his surgery and kept his rights. Ronny had open-heart surgery on July 26, 2005. Doctors expected him to need 6 to 12 months to recover.

As part of his recovery, Ronny played for the Yakama Sun Kings. This was a team in the Continental Basketball Association. He recovered faster than expected. The Lakers re-signed him on January 17, 2006, less than six months after his surgery.

Lakers Highlights

On November 1, 2006, Ronny had a great game against the Golden State Warriors. He scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. These were some of his best numbers in a game.

During the 2007–08 NBA season, Ronny played more often. Many Lakers players were injured. He even started some games as a forward. Later, when Pau Gasol was injured, Ronny became the starting center. He played well during this time. The Lakers made it to the 2008 NBA Finals that year. They played against their rivals, the Boston Celtics, but lost the series.

Ronny became good friends with his teammate Kobe Bryant. Kobe was sad when Ronny left the Lakers. He later said Ronny was one of his favorite teammates ever.

Moving to Other Teams

On July 9, 2008, Ronny agreed to a four-year contract with the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers had a chance to match the offer but decided not to. So, Ronny officially joined the Warriors.

In 2010, Ronny was traded to the New York Knicks. He played for them for one season. During an NBA player lockout in 2011, he played for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne in France.

Later in 2011, Ronny was traded to the Washington Wizards. In March 2012, he was part of a big trade. He ended up with the Miami Heat. On June 21, 2012, Ronny won his first NBA championship with the Heat.

After that, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in July 2012. In July 2013, he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played 31 games for them in the 2013–14 season. However, he had hip pain and needed surgery in December 2014. He was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers but was released soon after.

Ronny Turiaf announced his retirement from basketball on October 24, 2016. He had been dealing with hip pain for a long time.

Playing for France

Ronny Turiaf also played for the senior French national team. He represented France in several big tournaments. These included the 2003 EuroBasket, the 2006 FIBA World Championship, and the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Ronny Turiaf is very good with languages. He can speak five different ones: French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Antillean Creole. Antillean Creole is his native language. He has four younger sisters named Elodie, Florence, Nadia, and Rachelle.

In August 2009, Ronny started his "Heart to Heart" Foundation. This foundation helps children who do not have health insurance. It provides medical care, especially for heart-related issues. The goal is to help children live healthy and happy lives.

Images for kids

Turiaf in the Los Angeles Lakers uniform. He played for Lakers from 2006 to 2008.
Turiaf with the New York Knicks in 2010

All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:

Ronny Turiaf Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

Ronny Turiaf facts for kids

Contents