Miami Heat Legend Alonzo Mourning Reveals Special Moment With Pat Riley

Miguel Mike Medina | Oct 23, 2024

Jun 1, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Heat owner Micky Arison (middle left), president Pat Riley (top center), and vice president of player programs Alonzo Mourning (center right) attend game one of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning was one of the fiercest competitors and a defensive monster during his career. 

The Heat is set to unveil the ‘Pat Riley Court’ on Wednesday night when the team faces the Orlando Magic. 

Mourning and Riley started a movement that set the stage for what the Heat organization is all about today: the expectation to work hard to compete and relentlessly fight. 

In an interview with ‘Locked On Heat,’ Mourning revealed a special moment he and Riley shared once after their practice session. 

“We sat on the floor, just him and I in the gym. Everybody else had gone,” Mourning said. “We had a long two-hour conversation. I told him where I was from, my background, what I wanted out of this game. He shared with me his vision and everything. I wish I could’ve had that on video. That was a touching moment for me because I think that was the moment where we really solidified a bond, and I made a commitment to him.” 

Thirty years of contributing to an organization is an astonishing accomplishment. Riley has put his heart and soul into building this culture. 

“He has been the ultimate leader and the ultimate architect as it pertains to winning,” Mourning said. “I’m blessed to have been part of that journey. I’ve known the man since 1995. He brought me here in ‘95 and changed my life.”

Mourning was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and twice led the league in blocks.

Mourning is grateful for his relationship with him and is looking forward to celebrating the honor with him. 

Miguel Mike Medina is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com

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