Mourning played his heart out

I am not a big fan of NBA basketball.

I am, however, a fan of courage, especially courage under fire.

Granted, as a longtime basketball coach in this region, I do appreciate the efforts of those like Marquette’s Dwyane Wade – yes, that’s a unique spelling – who may be, a this point in time at least, the most clutch player on the planet.

All this kid did was help ignite a Miami Heat team, which was on the brink of extinction, and rally them from a 2-0 deficit to a four-game sweep of Dallas and their first NBA title.

Add Shaquille O’Neal to the mix, a Los Angeles Laker castoff, and you’ve got a nifty one-two punch for opponents who try to cover just one scorer.

In a nutshell, this Heat team, under wily veteran coach Pat Riley, had all the goods in their run for a title.

The player who impressed this old coach the most, however, was former Georgetown University star Alonzo Mourning.

A kidney transplant recipient playing a difficult, physical game of pro hoops stands head and shoulders above the pack if for no other reason than the medication he takes to ward off infection that attempts to attack his “new” kidney every day of his life.

I can speak firsthand about kidney transplants, and I know of the fatigue which accompanies the procedure.

If Alonzo is unappreciated for his sheer tenacity in playing the game, then someone should admonish those around him who know nothing about kidney disease and the rigors of dialysis and subsequent preparation for transplant surgery.

I remember a short time ago when another NBA star went through the experience that has become Mourning’s life.

San Antonio’s Sean Elliot, who currently resides behind a TV desk, discussing the pro game, survived kidney disease and transplantation to return to playing with the Spurs after a brief absence.

I remember thinking, “Oh, no, Sean, don’t run the risk of injury that may lead to your body rejecting the precious gift – the life-saving gift, in actuality – that your brother gave you by risking injury and loss of renal function again.”

Elliot’s retirement seemed a prudent move, and I breathed a sigh of relief when the handsome young man stepped away from the game he loved for what he termed “family reasons.”

Then along came Alonzo.

My, oh, my, what a physical specimen he is.

I was particularly impressed the other night when a TV piece showed Zo – as his friends and teammates like to call him – visiting a young transplant recipient and helping him over the initial hump of adjusting to a new lifestyle. Mourning was impressive as he shared his story with the youngster.

Mourning has taken the process a step further with the formation of the Zo Foundation, a charitable organization, which aids the needy. Oh, that more highly visible athletes would lend their money and their talent to worthy causes.

Each time I watched Alonzo Mourning play in this year’s NBA finals, I couldn’t help thinking what a special man he must be.

Not only is he brave, but his courage transcends not only the game of basketball, but life itself.

Zo has survived a difficult process, and he’s still giving something back to others.

In my life, I only hope I can do the same.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net