Skip navigation

Turiaf ‘feeling fine’ after open-heart surgery

Doctors say forward’s aortic valve functioning properly

Slideshow
Golden State Warriors v Dallas Mavericks, Game 1
  Dancers from around the league
Check out some of the dancers from the NBA.

more photos

Video: NBA from NBC Sports
Abdul-Jabbar managing his illness
Nov. 15: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wants to be very clear that his cancer was caught early and that he's not dealing with a death sentence.

  Ask the NBA expert: Ira Winderman

Do you have a burning question about your favorite team or player? Submit it now, and then check back for our reader mailbag on the 1st and 15th of each month.

updated 9:25 p.m. ET July 28, 2005

SPOKANE, Wash. - Los Angeles Lakers second-round draft pick Ronny Turiaf is “feeling fine,” the former Gonzaga star said Thursday while recovering from heart surgery.

In a statement released from Stanford Hospital & Clinics in Northern California, Turiaf said: “My surgery went well.”

Turiaf underwent surgery Tuesday to repair an enlarged aortic root. Doctors found his aortic valve was functioning properly and did not need replacement.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

Turiaf, who plans to recuperate in Spokane after his release from the hospital, thanked people for their support and prayers.

“By the grace of God, I’m doing well,” Turiaf said.

Turiaf, a 6-foot-10 power forward who averaged 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots at Gonzaga, was selected 37th in the draft.

He was diagnosed with an enlarged aortic root during a team physical after the draft.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sponsored links