Retiring, Signing, Visiting

When fans of the NBA think of the pre-Dwayne Wade Miami Heat, it is virtually impossible not to think of Alonzo Mourning. Mourning spent 11 of his 15 years in the NBA playing for the Heat, averaging 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. During his career, Mourning epitomized the word tenacity. He was known as a hard-nose defender, sacrificing his body to challenge every shot at the rim. His greatest contribution to the organization and city of Miami came in 2003, after he successfully fought a life-threatening kidney disease, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), requiring him to need a kidney transplant. After his successful recovery from the kidney transplant, Mourning went on to establish his charities, Alonzo Mourning Charities Inc. and Zo's Fund for Life. Zo's Fund for Life was created to raise funds for research, education, and testing for the disease. Mourning retired from the NBA on Jan. 22 as a member of the Miami Heat.

As a way to show their gratitude for all that Mourning has done for the Miami Heat organization and the Miami community, the Heat plan to retire his #33 jersey on Mar. 30, making Mourning the first to have his jersey retired in the history of the Miami Heat. Dwayne Wade had this to say about his former teammate, "If he can hold those tears back at that time, you're not human. It's fitting. You think of Miami, you think of Alonzo Mourning."

The Boston Celtics made news again this week in signings and suspensions. Last week, the Celtics signed free agent Mikki Moore and Stephon Marbury. Moore, a journey man in the NBA, having played for now his 9th team in his 10 year career, was signed to provide energy and veteran leadership off the bench. He will also be another big body for the Celtics to utilize in their quest to repeat last year's championship performance. Marbury was the more talked about addition to the Celtics. After, a tumultuous career with the New York Knicks, resulting in the buyout of his contract and subsequent signing with the Celtics. In his first game with Boston against the Indiana Pacers, Marbury dazzled the crowd, scoring 8 points in 13 minutes and igniting a key 16-4 run for Boston in the fourth quarter. Boston went on to win the game 104-99 and Paul Pierce had this to say about his new teammate, "[Marbury] really looked good for no practicing and just coming in and Coach throwing him into the fire. He's a guy who can make plays. He's a pretty good defender at the 1 and 2 and a guy who can knock down shots and get into the lane and find open people."

After news of his arrest for a misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI), Gabe Pruitt was suspended for two games by the Celtics. Pruitt was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on Feb. 26 after failing a sobriety test. Pruitt rarely saw much time on the court prior to the offense, so expect him to be pushed even further down the bench since he's now undoubtedly in Head Coach Doc Rivers' doghouse.

After scoring 45 points in last Friday's 133-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, Shaquille O'Neal led the Phoenix Suns to a huge 118-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. O'Neal followed his 45 point night up with a 33 point performance against the Lakers. The win was much needed for the Suns, moving them 2 games behind Dallas for the final playoff spot in the West. Matt Barnes of Phoenix finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Kobe Bryant finished with 49 points in the loss.

In a much anticipated appearance by President Barack Obama, the Washington Wizards had their best performance against the Chicago Bulls winning 113-90. President Obama relaxed in his court side seats, watching as the Wizards had eight players in double figures and quickly pull away from Obama's hometown Bulls in the third quarter. The Wizards should invite President Obama to more games, since it seems to inspire them to play better.

That's it for this installment. Expect to hear more reactions about Marbury's signing with the Celtics and a more in depth analysis into the possible playoff runs for the teams on the bubble. Also, we'll take a look at the upcoming conference tournaments in both Men's and Women's College basketball. Everyone enjoy the beginning of your week and stay safe!