Alonzo Mourning was in the midst of an outstanding career – including going to the NBA All-Star Game in seven of the previous nine seasons – when he was forced to call it quits after complications from incurable kidney disease. On 12/19/03, he underwent a kidney transplant – donated by cousin and retired Marine Jason Cooper, who hadn't seen Mourning since they were children – and soon after made it his mission to return to the NBA to inspire others by providing hope and support to anyone facing health challenges. He did return in 2004 and spent five more seasons in the league, culminating in helping the Miami Heat win an NBA Finals championship in '06. A first-round pick of the Hornets in 1992 and a Hall of Fame inductee 22 years later, Zo currently works for the Heat as Vice President of Player Programs and Development. Alonzo Mourning has signed this Spalding indoor/outdoor basketball in black paint pen. His signature is deemed authentic by virtue of Upper Deck Authenticated's Five Step Process.