Born February 8, 1970, in Chesapeake, Virginia, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Big Man Alonzo Mourning. This legend was a seven-time NBA All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-Defensive NBA winner, twice selected as All-NBA, and won an NBA Title in 2006 with Miami. Mourning took the floor for the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and New Jersey Nets.
Sports History
Alonzo Mourning Basketball Big Man with Big HeartFrom Georgetown Giant to South Beach Icon
Image credit Keith Allison
Mourning's dominance began at Georgetown University, where he led the Hoyas to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1989 and 1990, earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award both times. He was drafted second overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992. He quickly established himself as a defensive force, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning All-Defensive First Team honors.
In 1995, he was traded to the Miami Heat, marking the beginning of his most iconic chapter. He formed a formidable duo alongside Tim Hardaway, leading the Heat to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1997. Injuries, however, threatened to derail his career. In 2000, he was diagnosed with a potentially fatal kidney disease, forcing him to retire abruptly.
However, Mourning's story wasn't over. After receiving a kidney transplant from his cousin in 2001, he staged a miraculous comeback, returning to the Heat in 2003. His emotional return brought joy to Miami and redefined the meaning of perseverance.
In 2006, the "Zo" finally got his ring. Leading a young Heat team with Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, he defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, fulfilling a lifelong dream and silencing doubters who questioned his return.
Beyond his championship and numerous individual accolades (2 Defensive Player of the Year awards and 7 All-Star selections), Mourning's impact goes beyond the court. He symbolized hope for transplant patients, founding the Alonzo Mourning Charities to raise awareness and support. His leadership also extended beyond the Heat, as he served as president of the National Basketball Players Association, advocating for player rights and social justice issues.
May 19 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 8 - 6 - 30 May 19, 1942 - Boston Braves outfielder Paul Waner, Number 8 became the third player in NL history at the tim...
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May 18 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 7 - 16 May 18, 1897 - Early MLB star of the New York Giants, Bill Joyce established a record of 4 triples in 1 ...
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May 17 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 44 - 36 May 17, 1925 - Cleveland Indians centerfielder Tris Speaker reached his 3,000th hit in his MLB career. In 1...
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May 16 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 5 - 9 - 22 May 16, 1927 - New York Yankee outfielder, Bob Meusel, wearing Number 5 stole 2nd base, 3rd base and&nbs...
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May 15 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 15, 1912 - Detroit Tigers star slugger Ty Cobb, let's an obnoxious fan get to him and the player leaped the rail...
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May 14 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 37 - 7 May 14, 1913 - Washington Senator pitcher Walter Johnson, had his amazing MLB record of scoreless innings str...
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