Ronny Turiaf announces retirement from NBA

After a 10-year long career in the NBA, former Gonzaga big man Ronny Turiaf announced his retirement on YouTube on Monday, Oct. 24.

Turiaf played with Gonzaga from the 2001-02 season until 2004-05 season. He averaged 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game over his Gonzaga career. He was named the WCC Player of the Year his senior season after averaging 15.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He finished his collegiate career No. 4 at Gonzaga in both points (1,723) and rebounds (859). He also finished as the career leader with 643 free throws, breaking Frank Burgess’ 44-year-old record.

He was drafted with the 37th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, but health conditions almost immediately sidelined his budding career. Turiaf underwent open-heart surgery in June 2005 to repair an enlarged aortic root in his heart, and sat out much of the first season.

Turiaf spent ten years in the NBA, playing with seven different squads. He finished his career averaging 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Turiaf will go down as one of the all-time fan favorites to ever don a Gonzaga uniform. He was a trailblazer for the Zags in establishing a foothold in international recruiting. Most of all, he was well known for his passion and energy on the court, and that is what constantly had fans gravitating to him.

Congratulations Ronny, and good luck in all of your future endeavors.