Rony Seikaly
From Hoopedia
Ronald F. Seikaly (Arabic: رونالد سيكالي) is a Lebanese-American former basketball player.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon on May 10, 1965 (but also a United States citizen by birth), Rony Seikaly attended an American high school in Athens. In 1984, he began attending Syracuse University in Upstate New York. He played basketball for the Orange (then known as the Orangemen). After his senior year, he was a 2nd Team All-American and named to the Wooden Award All-American Team.
In 1988, the Miami Heat used their franchise's first ever draft pick (9th overall that year) to select the center. His career with Miami saw his setting a team record for both blocks (8) and rebounds (34) in a game. He was also named the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1990.
In 1994, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors where he spent two and a half seasons before going on to play for the Orlando Magic. During the 1997-98 season he was traded to the Utah Jazz but the transaction was voided due to him failing to report to the Jazz. Finally, he joined the New Jersey Nets in early 1998 before announcing his retirement from the game in 1999. He holds career averages of 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.29 blocks per game.
When he left NBA he signed for Spanish basketball team F.C. Barcelona.
Every year Seikaly hosts the annual Rony Seikaly Golf Tournament for cystic fibrosis. In 2001, his former wife, Mexican supermodel Elsa Benitez, was selected cover girl for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
In April of 2007, he entered the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Miami Open, in an attempt to play pro beach volleyball.
Records and Accolades
- 1989 Sets Heat record for blocks in a game (8)
- 1990 Sets Heat record for free throw attempts in a game (26) and blocks in a season (124)
- 1990 NBA's Most Improved Player
- 1992 Sets Heat record for rebounds in a season (934)
- 1993 NBA Player of the Week for March 7th
- 1993 Sets Heat record for defensive (26) and total rebounds (34) in a game
- 1994 Set Heat record for free throws made in a game (16)
