By Mitch Stephens
MaxPreps.com
Basketball is rooted deep into the veins of Alonzo Mourning, all the way back to the game’s inventor James Naismith himself.
The seven-time NBA All-Star attended Indian River High School in Chesapeake (Va.) and was coached by Bill Lassiter, who was coached by legendary John. B. McClendon, who learned the game from Naismith.
So, when Mourning, known for his passion and emotion on the court, retired from the game on Thursday, a tearful Brett Favre/Dan Marino/Mike Schmitt farewell appeared imminent.
Especially considering he was forced to retire in 2003 due to chronic kidney disease but fought back and actually won his only NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006.
But the tears never came.
He choked up once but Mourning clearly isn’t mourning.
As much as he loves the game, he’s always stretched his life far beyond the brightly-lit 94-by-50-foot hardwood stage that brought him fame and fortune.
“It’s not a sad day, but it’s a day to celebrate,” he said. “I can think of a million people right now that would have loved to walk the path I walked. The ups and downs made it even more joyous.”
Besides, Mourning has far too much to give.
He’s been an activist to promote kidney health since his remarkable recovery from a transplant six years ago.
More so, he’s been a lifetime philanthropist, leading countless social and community causes including starting the “Alonzo Mourning Charities” foundation and “Athletes for Hope.”
“I knew at a very young age I had a responsibility and it wasn’t just to the game,” Mourning told us Friday morning. “I had a very giving family. My mom was always doing something to help others and the community. Part of it was maybe that Southern atmosphere.
“Bottom line is that I’ve had an opportunity to not only make an impact on the court but to help change people’s lives. We all have that opportunity in all of us.”
Part of Mourning’s greater good started in 1988 visiting a Ronald McDonald House in Albuquerque, N.M., site of the McDonald’s All-American game that year.
Zo had 16 points and was named MVP of an East 104-99 victory in a game that featured about 15 future NBA standouts including Shawn Kemp, Christian Laettner, Chris Mills and Billy Owens.
“We had an amazing class and it was a real exciting game,” Mourning said. “It was real fun being part of the class but what I remember most was visiting that house and all those kids. It opens your eyes. It opened my eyes.”
The experience always resonated with Mourning, who has become a leader in the event, which in April comes to his hometown of Miami, Fla.
He now captains the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council and in conjunction with his retirement, Zo immediately jumped into the public relations fray by announcing the 33 greatest All-Americans based on performance on the count and performances and contributions off of it.
At the top of his list is Shaquille O’Neal, followed by LeBron James, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson and Zo himself.
“It was fun and difficult at the same time,” Mourning said of making the list. “I worried a little (alienating some of his peers) but ultimately I think I made the right choices. Any of the top five could have been No. 1 for sure.”
He went with his former teammate, noting that Shaq has donated more than $1 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
James has his own foundation that has risen more than $1 million, Ewing chairs the Stay in School program and Johnson has developed countless health and educational programs in urban communities.
Most of the rest of the list is filled with current NBA stars, however former NBA greats include Michael Jordan, Derrick Coleman, Chris Mullin, Isiah Thomas, Chris Webber, Dominique Wilkins and James Worthy.
Current WNBA stars on the list are Renee Montgomery, Candace Parker and Candice Wiggins.
Such players are who current high school standouts should aspire, Mourning told McDonald’s All-Americans at last year’s game in Milwaukee.
“I told them it’s an honor to be chosen in the game but don’t lose its significance,” Mourning said. “I said to have fun and take care of business throughout the week but that visiting the Ronald McDonald House is what the game is truly about. I told them to utilize your star status to make a better world.”
Mourning said it’s hard to imagine the talent level at the high school game getting much better.
But he warned the “And 1” mentality on the court is hurting the game and its most gifted players.
“And 1 is a circus type of game,” Mourning said. “It’s more entertainment, like the Harlem Globetrotters, than basketball.
“The biggest challenges for kids wanting to go to the next level are simply improving their weaknesses. If you can’t shoot a left-hand hook then work on it. If you can’t get to the hole with your left hand work on your left hand. If you’re not a great free throw shooter taking an extra 100 shots every day. If you’re a 2-guard and can’t shoot beyond 17 feet, work on the 3-pointer.
“When you get to the next level it’s all about fundamentals. Fundamentals are a lost art.”
Mourning learned more than fundamentals in his college career playing for John Thompson at Georgetown.
“Words can’t explain how much coach Thompson helped and taught me,” Mourning said.
That is largely why he encourages the elite players to stay in college as long as possible.
The one-and-done philosophy only works for a select few.
“If you skip college you just miss out on the developmental process both on and off the court," Mourning said. “Guys like Kobe and LeBron and Kevin Garnett are the exceptions rather than the rule."
On the worldly front, the same is true of Mourning.
E-mail Mitch Stephens at mstephens@maxpreps.com
For more on the 2009 McDonald’s All-American game,
click here.
For the 2009 nominees, click here for the boys and girls.
For MaxPreps’ coverage of the 2008 games, click here.
