Alonzo Mourning Biography

Alonzo Harding Mourning Jr., born on February 8, 1970, is an American former professional basketball player who has served in a leadership role with the Miami Heat since 2009. Mourning spent the majority of his 15-year career in the National Basketball Association playing for the Miami Heat. After receiving a kidney transplant, Mourning returned to play and helped the Miami Heat win the 2006 NBA championship. He was recognized as a top high school player, earning Player of the Year honors from USA Today, Parade, Gatorade, and Naismith, and was ranked as the #1 recruit in the 1988 class. Mourning played college basketball under coach John Thompson at Georgetown University. Following Mutombo’s departure to the NBA, Mourning resumed his role as starting center and delivered an outstanding senior season during the 1991–92 campaign. He was chosen second overall in the 1992 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, selected after Shaquille O'Neal and before Christian Laettner.