Ever since news of newly-graduated Zag Ronny Turiaf's potentially life-threatening enlarged aortic root was reported, the Gonzaga Family has rallied to support the four year GU star and Los Angeles Laker rookie. From messages and cards to prayers and thoughts, the city of Spokane and the campus of Gonzaga have been preoccupied with Ronny's well-being.
You literally can not go anywhere in the Inland Northwest without hearing somebody say, "Did you hear about Ronny?"
Ronny [pron: Roe-nee].
Not since Ichiro has there been a sports figure who is known simply by his first or last name only. Such is Ronny's charisma, such is Ronny's impact and popularity in the college hoops world.
Typically, the end of July is prime recruiting time for the GU staff and potential future Zags, particularly at the big tournaments held in Las Vegas. It's a time for coaches to "show love" for the recruits they want by being seen in the stands at the games in which recruits are playing.
It means a lot for a recruit and his AAU coach to know a college coach is there just to watch him, that Coach Few or Coach Grier or Coach Rice thinks highly enough of that recruit to focus solely on him for entire games.
But there are certain things that are more important. For instance, a young man undergoing sudden, unexpected open heart surgery, a young man who gave Gonzaga four unforgettable years on and off the hardwood, a young man of 22 years of age who gave countless hours of personal time to the fans and to the many community services in and around Spokane, a young man who traveled from Paris to the Inland Northwest to be a part of the Gonzaga experience and, more importantly, to be a lifelong member of the Gonzaga Community.
Now it's time to give a little back to Ronny.
That's why Mark Few, Billy Grier and Leon Rice will be at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA., from the day before Ronny's surgery to however long it takes after the Tuesday, July 26 operation to correct Ronny's heart condition. Longtime GU trainer Steve DeLong, director of athletic relations Steve Hertz and team mate and room mate Brian Michaelson will also join the staff at Ronny's side.
It is, after all, a serious family matter.
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GU Nation extends its best wishes and prayers to Ronny, and for his speedy recovery.