Birhday: Alonzo Mourning

Born in Chesapeake, Virginia, Alonzo Mourning was an outstanding basketball player throughout his youth. After high school he remained near home, attending Georgetown University. As a Hoya he excelled, leading the nation in blocked shots twice and finishing his college career as the all-time Division I-A leader in blocks.

In 1992 Mourning was chosen second overall in the NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. After his first pro season he was runner up in rookie-of-the-year voting to Shaquille O'Neal. As a center for the Hornets and later the Heat, Mourning won numerous awards including Defensive Player of the Year twice.

In September 2000 Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease. He was forced into early retirement and began his search for a new kidney. On December 19, 2003 a kidney transplant was successful.

Although Mourning has recently attempted a comeback, numerous injuries have held him back. He was recently traded from the Nets to the Raptors, but it is unlikely that he will be able to play again.

If Alonzo Mourning died today he would be worth 65 points for Greg.