Mourning in the NBA
As someone who was a Georgetown fan (before I went to Maryland) I was also a big fan of the centers the John Thompson churned out. So it's kinda sad to hear that Alonzo Mourning may have to call it quits.
Here's a guy who -between the likes of Ewing and Mutombo- was once considered to be the last of the Great Hoya Centers to have the opportunity to win a NBA Championship Ring. Ewing was a better scorer; Mutombo was a better defensive player. Both were bigger/taller. If anything, 'Zo won on the energy/passion scale, but it was that energy and passion that contributed to many early exits on his Miami teams (but it was mostly Pat Riley's fault).
Nevertheless, the guy persevered. And two seasons ago, he finally got his prize. It may not have come the way he wanted (in a reserve role playing Shaq's backup) but I don't think it matters once you actually get that gold around your finger. And now, even after getting that ring, he hasn't let up. Some players are prone to mailing it in after reaching the mountain top; Mourning is the type who looks for another mountain.
I hope he comes back, if for anything to finish the season. In a League where the best big men rarely want to even go near the paint, we need more 'Zos.
Here's a guy who -between the likes of Ewing and Mutombo- was once considered to be the last of the Great Hoya Centers to have the opportunity to win a NBA Championship Ring. Ewing was a better scorer; Mutombo was a better defensive player. Both were bigger/taller. If anything, 'Zo won on the energy/passion scale, but it was that energy and passion that contributed to many early exits on his Miami teams (but it was mostly Pat Riley's fault).
Nevertheless, the guy persevered. And two seasons ago, he finally got his prize. It may not have come the way he wanted (in a reserve role playing Shaq's backup) but I don't think it matters once you actually get that gold around your finger. And now, even after getting that ring, he hasn't let up. Some players are prone to mailing it in after reaching the mountain top; Mourning is the type who looks for another mountain.
I hope he comes back, if for anything to finish the season. In a League where the best big men rarely want to even go near the paint, we need more 'Zos.
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