Past Zags Update

While most of us stop following the players once they leave the program, I find myself wondering where they are, and what they have made themselves into. I will be doing a three Part look at some of the more famous Players of the last 15 years. Starting with Ronny Turiaf, Adam Morrison, Blake Stepp and Nathan Doudney.


Ronny Turiaf
Ronny Turiaf Twitter
Official Website

As one of the most memorable Zags and fan favorites, Ronny's success surely hasnt escaped the most seasoned Zag fans, but for those of you who havent been keeping up, heres a summary of his career.
Ronny has been playing in the NBA since he left the Zags in 2005. He was drafted in the second round at #37 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft. 4 Weeks after the draft, the team signed Ronny to a 2 Year $1 Million deal, and as part of the deal he was required to have a routine Physical. What sounded easy and routine ended up showing that Ronny had an enlarged Aortic Root in his heart, ultimately requiring surgery. Ronny's contract was voided, but the Lakers retained his rights. Less than 6 months later after a short stint in the CBA with the Yamika Sun Kings, Ronny was resigned by the Lakers and was able to restart his NBA career.
Ronny has gone on to play for the Golden State Warriors and this past season was traded to the New York Knicks. He has averaged 5.8 Points and 3.8 Boards per game, He is also considered a tough veteran and has spent time as team captain with the Warriors and Knicks.


Adam Morrison
Adam Morrison Rumors

We all remember "Stachio" and his quirky personality, we also remember his clutch shooting and unmatched confidence. He would ultimately win Co-National Player of the Year with J.J. Redick and lead the Zags to the Sweet 16. Not a day goes by that i dont wonder what would have been had that fateful game in 2006 had finished differently, but alas back to reality.
Instead of moving on and having the career of the oft compared Larry Bird, Adam has settled for more of a career of mediocrity. Adam's NBA fortunes began with a bang, being selected #3 by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2006 NBA Draft. He also had the distinction of being Michael Jordans first selection since joining the Bobcats front office earlier that year.
His rookie season was marred by inconsistent offensive and horrible defensive play. After the 06-07 season, Adam took on a rigorous offseason workout regimen and began to show signs of stardom, so much so that during the 2007 Preseaon, MJ began to hint at building the team around Adam.
On October 21, 2007, the Charlotte Bobcats announced that Morrison had sustained a severe injury to his left knee in a pre-season exhibition game against the Lakers. An MRI scan performed after the game indicated a torn ACL. I wouldnt be surprised if this is considered a career ending knee injury as Adam has not regained a regular role with any team since.
Adam was traded to the Lakers at the 2009 Trade Deadline and would go on to infamously cheer on the Lakers bench during their back to back national championships. Following the 2010 Season the Lakers unsurprisingly decided not to bring Adam back and he would later sign with the Washington Wizards, however he was waived at the end of Training Camp. Some have speculated that Adam may decide to retire following the 2011 Season as he has stated his desire not to play in Europe. Adam has averaged 8.6 Points and 2.2 Boards per game for his career.


Blake Stepp
Blake Stepp Poker Page

After leaving Gonzaga in 2004 with career averages of 13 Points, 5 Assists, and 3.9 Boards per game, Blake was drafted #58 overal by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was later waived by the Wolves prior to the regular season, he would go on to have a 2 year career in the Euroleague Playing for the Serbian Club Partizan in 2004-05 finishing with averages of 13.1 Points, 2.5 Assists, and 2.2 Boards per game.
While this former Zag may not have had a long NBA Career, he has been playing Professional Poker of late and is actually pretty good. He has 1 top 10 finish in 2006 and has cashed in 6 times throughout his career for total winnings of $37,555.


Nathan Doudney
Nathan Doudney Poker Page

Many may not remember this former zag, he only played 1 official season, spending another as a redshirt with a torn ACL. ESPN actually had an interesting article on him in July of 2010 about his transformation into a Professional Poker player here.
During his time on the professional Poker circuit, he has done rather nicely for himself with 15 total cashouts for career winnings of $691,252. He has finished in the Top ten 4 times and the top 5 twice. Doudney may just be the best Poker Player to ever come out of Gonzaga.

Next up:
Austin Daye
Matt Bouldin
Dan Dickau
Josh Heytvelt

and...
Derek Raivio
J.P. Batista
Richie Frahm
Matt Santangelo