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Alonzo Mourning

by Lawrence from San Francisco


Alonzo Harding Mourning was born on February 8, 1970 in Chesapeake, Virginia. He had a wonderful childhood and was raised by divorced parents. He went to Indian River High School and then went to Georgetown University. That was when he was noticed by the NBA. Alonzo went to the NBA in 1992 and was 2nd pick in the first draft by the Charlotte Hornets. After three years with the Hornets, he was traded to the Miami Heat. Several years later, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets and then back and forth. He retired with the Miami Heat and is married to a lovely wife named Tracy Wilson Mourning.

When Mourning was in college at Georgetown University, he thrived in basketball and was coached by the famous John Thompson. There were a lot of hardships during his time there, but there was also a lot of success there too. He was counted as one of the best players that Georgetown had at the time.

The NBA noticed Alonzo and asked him if he wanted to play in the NBA. Of course he said yes and was drafted to the NBA. In the 1992-1993 draft, he was chosen 2nd in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets (now known as the New Orleans Hornets). As a rookie, he was known as "The Sting" and as one of the best big men in the NBA.

In 2000, Alonzo Mourning faced a big dilemma in his career; he caught a kidney disease called focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. He badly needed a kidney to replace his failing one. They decided to give his cousin named Jason Cooper a call. Jason gladly donated his kidney to Alonzo and underwent a surgery that took place in 2003. He stayed strong during it and made a successful surgery. As soon as Alonzo was fully healed, he went back to the NBA as a free agent and a regular player.

Sadly, in his 2007-2008- season, Alonzo decided to call it quits. When he retired, he made a foundation called AMcharites that allows people to find kidneys. He later joined a foundation called athletesforhope which also includes Mohammed Ali. Zo is known as an inspiration to many and a leader for many years to come.

Page created on 12/28/2009 2:00:45 PM

Last edited 12/28/2009 2:00:45 PM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Alonzo Mourning's charities official website - helps other less fortunate that need a transplant
info on Mourning's transplant - shows what happened in Mourning's transplant