Alonzo Mourning

My health is the No. 1 concern and my longevity is the No. 1 concern. ”

I am reaching a point in my life where the basketball chapter in my life is slowly closing from a competition standpoint. ”

If we all make a concerted effort and try to improve the life of someone else, then this world would be a better place to live in. ”

I had individuals in my life to help me make the right decisions because it wasn't about them accepting handouts. It was about them making the right decisions for me. ”

I have an incredible amount of basketball knowledge, and I think a lot of that is derived from having a Hall of Fame college basketball coach who was very knowledgeable of the game and I had a great high school coach who was also very knowledgeable. ”

I think in every lesson there's a blessing, and there's so many blessings from all the lessons I've had to go through in life. ”

I can still play this game at a high level; I've proven that. I want to be home. I want to be close to my family. I want to be close to my foundation and my business interests. ”

I feel that each and every one of us as individuals has a responsibility to one another. None of us would be here without the help of someone else - whether it be guardians, teachers, parents, relatives, etc. - someone contributed to your well being as a person. We're all connected in so many different ways. ”

I had to develop the mentality and stay positive about making my comeback. ”

So many people feel that once you reach a certain age then it's time for you to retire from a sport you love. I don't think that's true at all. I think age should not dictate that. ”