Early prognosis good for Laker Turiaf

[TheEnemy]

From staff reports
July 26, 2005

Get well notes line a hallway in the administration building Monday at Gonzaga University. (Brian Plonka/Spokesman-Review)


» Turiaf's fate 'in God's hands'

The early prognosis for basketball standout Ronny Turiaf appears promising.

After more than six hours in open-heart surgery today, doctors at Stanford University Medical Center were able to repair an enlarged aortic root in Turiaf’s heart without having to replace the valve, a hospital official told representatives from Gonzaga University.

“That’s terrific news,” said Gonzaga coach Mark Few. “It’s as good as we could have hoped for.”

Although it was too early to predict what kind of recovery the former Gonzaga star could expect, a valve replacement likely would have ended Turiaf’s chances of playing in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers officials, who chose Turiaf in the second round of this year’s NBA draft, had warned that they wouldn’t let Turiaf play for them if his heart valve had to be replaced.

The defect was detected during a physical required by the Lakers as part of his pro contract. The Lakers agreed to pay for the surgery regardless of the outcome.

 

[VF21]

My prayers are with Ronny and his family. I hope he has a complete and speedy recovery.

 

[Jerryaki]

yah, good luck dude. get well soon!

 

[Warhawk]

Ditto.

 

[Prophetess]

I hope he recovers well and completely. My thoughts and prayers for Ronny and his family.
I think it's great the Lakers said they would pay for it regardless of the outcome. Is that common for a team to do?

 

[Evenstar]

good to hear.

i wish him a full and speedy recovery.

 

[iheartBrad]

Get Well Fast Ronny!

 

[HndsmCelt]

Speedy and full recovery Ronny! Props to the Lakers for first class treatment of the young man.

 

[Fillmoe]

i hope ronny has a fast recovery and can get past this.......what dont kill you makes you stronger

 

[6th]

Speedy and full recovery Ronny! Props to the Lakers for first class treatment of the young man.

Yes, props to the Lakers for their magnanimous gesture toward Ronny. And, I am glad to hear that the prognosis, after today's surgery, is a good one. Get well, Ronny. I wish you well.

 

[Gargamel]

I think it's great the Lakers said they would pay for it regardless of the outcome. Is that common for a team to do?

I think Buss has been magnanimous to Magic after his HIV and Kareem after his house burned down (forgot the lore surrounding those situations), but Turiaf is a rook. He didn't need to do that for him, but I don't doubt any other team save for Sterling's Clipps would've done the same. He is still LA's investment (he plays for them if he plays again), so it does make sense any way you cut it.

I think the real props should go to team doctors. Every previous doc (childhood, Gonzaga, and pre-Draft) missed the diagnosis. If he WAS drafted by any other team, there's no guarantee the diagnosis would've been made and he could've become the next Reggie Lewis. In that respect, the stars were aligned for Ronny. If I were in his shoes, I'd like to know if I had a timebomb in my chest more than anything.

 

[HndsmCelt]

I think Buss has been magnanimous to Magic after his HIV and Kareem after his house burned down (forgot the lore surrounding those situations), but Turiaf is a rook. He didn't need to do that for him, but I don't doubt any other team save for Sterling's Clipps would've done the same. He is still LA's investment (he plays for them if he plays again), so it does make sense any way you cut it.

I think the real props should go to team doctors. Every previous doc (childhood, Gonzaga, and pre-Draft) missed the diagnosis. If he WAS drafted by any other team, there's no guarantee the diagnosis would've been made and he could've become the next Reggie Lewis. In that respect, the stars were aligned for Ronny. If I were in his shoes, I'd like to know if I had a timebomb in my chest more than anything.

Good insight. Buy the Lakers Doc's a round for for this one. Regardless of weather or not Turiaf ever plays again these gys probably did save his life. And aging props for Buss for footing the bills for a second rounder who he could have simply let go. Dam hateing the Lakers got just a little bit harder, I wish they would hire Sam Cassel or something...

 

[Gargamel]

Dam hateing the Lakers got just a little bit harder, I wish they would hire Sam Cassel or something...

If his contract expires in 2007, it's a distinct possibility. NO one is being taken who goes beyond that year, which is what cost them Daniels, who was all but in the bag.

 

[Jerryaki]

this thread made a song pop into my head:

"get well, get well soon, we want you to get well!"
elaine: THAT'S NOT EVEN A SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!