Ronny Turiaf

Did You Know?

• Turiaf was the first triple major in his family, earning degrees in sports management, communication, and French.
• He represented France at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
• His native language is Antillean Creole.

Early life

Turiaf was born in Fort-de-France and spent most of his childhood in Martinique. At age 15, he moved to Paris to attend the National Institute of Physical Education (INSEP). In 1999 he made the French Under-18 national team and helped win gold at the 2000 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship alongside Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, and Mickaël Piétrus.

College career

Turiaf left France in 2001 to attend Gonzaga University, playing four years for the Bulldogs. He was named First Team All-WCC in his last three seasons and was conference Player of the Year as a senior. He finished fourth all-time in scoring (1,723 points) and rebounding (859 rebounds) at Gonzaga, averaging 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game overall.

Professional career

Turiaf was selected 37th overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. After the draft, a physical exam revealed an enlarged aortic root in his heart, leading the Lakers to void his contract while retaining his rights. He underwent six-hour open-heart surgery on 26 July 2005. During rehabilitation, he played nine games for the Yakama Sun Kings of the CBA, averaging 13 points and 6.3 rebounds. He was re-signed by the Lakers on 17 January 2006. On 1 November 2006, he scored career highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors. During the 2007–08 season, he started at forward early on, then after Pau Gasol sprained his ankle, Turiaf started nine games at center, averaging over 30 minutes, 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. The Lakers reached the 2008 NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics in six games.