A Final Farewell for Zo

By: Robert Kivell

After a 15 year career in the NBA, Alonzo Mourning is finally calling it quits.  Zo, as he is called, has made many comebacks throughout his career, but finally decided to call it quits for the last time today.  During the prime of his career, Mourning was the centerpiece of the Pat Riley-coached Heat, averaging close to 20 points and 10 boards per game, while dominating the paint. Mourning was always a force down low and was one of the centerpieces in the heated Knicks-Heat rivalry of the late 90's.  However, in 2000, Mourning was diagnosed with a kidney disease that forced him to miss five months of the season.  Unfortunately, this was the start of the end of Zo's career.  Mourning would return to play and make the all-star team during the 01-02 season, but as a result of his condition worsening Mourning missed the entire 02-03 season.  After a few years with the Nets, and a few days with the Raptors (He was sent to Toronto as part of the Vince Carter traded) Mourning returned to the Heat hungry for a championship.  Mourning's hunger for that elusive NBA ring was fed when the Heat, lead by Shaq and Dwayne Wade won it all in 2006.  Last year, on December 19th 2007, Mourning suffered the final injury of his career.  In the first quarter in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Mourning tore his patella tendon in his right knee. Although it was rumored that Zo might make a comeback this year, but Mourning announce today he decided the right time to retire is now.