<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">SAN ANTONIO - As of today, Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf no longer has to pick up basketballs after practice with guard Jordan Farmar. Such is life as a rookie on a Phil Jackson-coached team, a life Turiaf officially has left behind. He signed with the Lakers on Jan. 17, 2006 and marked his first year in the NBA with Wednesday's game against San Antonio. It is the latest in a series of milestones for Turiaf, whose career nearly ended before it began when he underwent open heart surgery in July 2005. He laughed to himself when told of the anniversary in the locker room Wednesday. In evaluating Turiaf's rookie year, Jackson started by describing him as "the mixture between the oil and water on this team." Turiaf made a name for himself with his madcap energy on the bench last season. "He kind of mixes everything up and keeps everybody on the same page, really helps this team with his enthusiasm," Jackson added. "His play's been stellar this year when he's been asked to go out there and work. I think he's advanced a lot." Turiaf is averaging 4.5 points and 2.8rebounds in 30 games this season. </div> Source
I'm glad he's in the league, looking back on the heart condition, I find it even more incredible that he's even alive today.
