NBA legend Alonzo Mourning, now the Miami Heat’s director of player programs and development, is cancer-free following surgery to remove his prostate, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Mourning, a seven-time All-Star, NBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist, credits routine prostate cancer screening for the early detection and successful treatment of his condition. He expressed concern about the disease, noting that many men may feel healthy but unknowingly have prostate cancer. “The only way to find out is to get their blood tested and get their PSA checked,” he said, highlighting that 3.3 million men in the U.S. live with prostate cancer, often without being aware of it.
Mourning recounted his experience with the diagnosis and treatment. “Dr. Punnen told me, ‘I want to get a PET scan immediately to make sure cancer hasn’t spread through your body,’” he told ESPN. Mourning was shocked by the news, especially given his physical condition, noting that he felt strong and fit despite having previously undergone a kidney transplant. He described the anxiety of waiting for the PET scan results with his partner, Mariona. Ultimately, the technician informed them that the cancer was still contained within the prostate and had not spread, which was a significant relief.
Mourning’s proactive approach to health monitoring allowed him to catch the cancer early, leading to a successful outcome.
Nicknamed “Zo,” Mourning had a storied NBA career as a center, known for his defensive prowess. After playing college basketball at Georgetown University, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. Despite undergoing a kidney transplant, Mourning made a remarkable comeback and won the 2006 NBA championship with the Heat. He also played for the Charlotte Hornets and New Jersey Nets.
On March 30, 2009, Mourning became the first Miami Heat player to have his number retired. Over his 15-year NBA career, he averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. Mourning was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019.
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