Heat to retire Mourning's jersey

MIAMI, March 1 (UPI) -- The Miami Heat will retire the "No. 33" jersey worn by longtime center Alonzo Mourning, the team said Sunday.

Mourning's number will be retired March 30 at halftime during a home contest against the Orlando Magic.

The 39-year-old Mourning, the Charlotte Hornets' second overall NBA draft pick in 1992, was struck twice by a rare kidney disorder in his 15-year NBA career.

When he retired from the NBA Jan. 22, the former Georgetown all-American was the Heat's all-time leader in points (9,459), rebounds (4,807) and games played (593).

He was a seven-time all-star and averaged 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds in 838 NBA contests.

"It will be a great privilege and an incredible honor for the Miami Heat on the night of March 30," team President Pat Riley told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale.

Despite playing a full 2001-02 season, Mourning later underwent a kidney transplant in late 2003.

He missed the first five months of the 1999-2000 season when he was diagnosed with the kidney disease.