Rony Seikaly
Encyclopedia
Ronald Fred "Rony" Seikaly is a retired Lebanese
-born American
professional basketball player.
, Lebanon
. At the age of 9, Rony moved from Beirut where he'd been attending elementary school at the Athenee de Beirut to Greece
, where he spent the rest of his youth. He attended and graduated from the American Community School, also known as ACS Athens.
Prior to playing basketball, he was a soccer player and accomplished track athlete. He was unable to attain Greek citizenship due to bureaucratic problems, but he later became a naturalized American citizen after attending college in the U.S. and playing in the NBA.
in central New York
. He played center for the Syracuse Orange men's basketball
team. He was an All-American and was also named to the John R. Wooden All-American Team
. He was chosen on the Orange's All Century Team and his number 4 jersey has been retired and raised to the rafters at the Carrier Dome. He graduated from Syracuse as the all time leading rebounder, second in blocked shots and fourth in scoring. He led his Syracuse team to the 1987 NCAA tournament championship finals against the Indiana Hoosiers after averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds throughout the tournament.
club Panathinaikos Athens' senior team in a tournament in Cyprus
, but his nationality prevented him from playing in the Greek Championship
as a Greek citizenship player, so he moved to the USA.
Seikaly was the 9th pick in the first round of the 1988 NBA Draft, taken by the Miami Heat. He became one of the best centers in the league with Miami (1989–1994), Golden State (1995–1996), Orlando (1997–1998) and New Jersey (1998). He was a small center by NBA standards, but more athletic and quicker than most .
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 him setting numerous team records including block
s (8), rebounds (34) and double doubles. He averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his career with the Heat. He was also in the NBA's top 7 rebounders for 5 straight years. He was also named the NBA's Most Improved Player
in 1990. During his run with the Heat, he had the nickname "The Spin Doctor", due to his trademark low-post spin moves.
In 1994, Seikaly was traded to the Golden State Warriors
where he spent two years before going on to play for the Orlando Magic
and averaged 16 points and 9.5 rebounds for the Magic. During the 1997–1998 season he was traded to the Utah Jazz
, but the transaction was voided. Eventually, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets
in early 1998, before announcing his retirement from the game in 2000. He holds NBA career averages of 14.7 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game and 1.29 blocks per game.
Seikaly's NBA career highs in a game are 40 points, 34 rebounds, 8 blocked shots, 4 steals and 6 assists.
After Seikaly left the NBA, he signed with the Spanish League
basketball team FC Barcelona.
, and with the US team he won the gold medal.
formation wearing the jersey #4. But after consultations with FIBA, he was dropped, since he had been part of the US national team in 1986, which disqualified him from playing for his country Lebanon.
He is also an avid music lover and has been spotted working as a house music
DJ in some of the biggest clubs in the world. He is frequently spotted with his close friend DJ Erick Morillo
, and has performed alongside him at Club LIV in the Fontainebleau Hotel
in Miami Beach. Rony has recently signed with artist management company SKAM Artists and has singles being released on Nervous Records He has DJ Gigs all across the US playing house music.
Every year Seikaly hosts the annual Rony Seikaly Golf Tournament for cystic fibrosis
. When Magic Johnson
returned to the NBA HIV-positive, and there was opposition to his inclusion because of his status, Rony Seikaly challenged him to a game of one-on-one to show everyone that HIV is not contagious by touch. Seikaly also entered the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Miami Open, in an attempt to play pro beach volleyball
.
He was formerly married to Mexican model Elsa Benitez
, the 2001 and 2006 cover girl for the Sports Illustrated
swimsuit issues. They divorced in 2005; they have a daughter, Mila.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/350943-the-top-10-scorers-in-miami-heat-history#page/6
Lebanese people
The Lebanese people are a nation and ethnic group of Levantine people originating in what is today the country of Lebanon, including those who had inhabited Mount Lebanon prior to the creation of the modern Lebanese state....
-born American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball player.
Early life
Seikaly was born in BeirutBeirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. At the age of 9, Rony moved from Beirut where he'd been attending elementary school at the Athenee de Beirut to Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, where he spent the rest of his youth. He attended and graduated from the American Community School, also known as ACS Athens.
Prior to playing basketball, he was a soccer player and accomplished track athlete. He was unable to attain Greek citizenship due to bureaucratic problems, but he later became a naturalized American citizen after attending college in the U.S. and playing in the NBA.
College career
In 1984, he began attending Syracuse UniversitySyracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
in central New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. He played center for the Syracuse Orange men's basketball
Syracuse Orange men's basketball
The Syracuse Orange men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball team representing Syracuse University. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the Big East Conference...
team. He was an All-American and was also named to the John R. Wooden All-American Team
John R. Wooden Award
The John R. Wooden Award is an award given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college basketball players. The program consists of the men's and women's Player of the Year awards, the Legends of Coaching award and recognizes the All–America Teams.The awards, given by the Los...
. He was chosen on the Orange's All Century Team and his number 4 jersey has been retired and raised to the rafters at the Carrier Dome. He graduated from Syracuse as the all time leading rebounder, second in blocked shots and fourth in scoring. He led his Syracuse team to the 1987 NCAA tournament championship finals against the Indiana Hoosiers after averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds throughout the tournament.
Pro career
When Seikaly was 17 years old he joined the EuroleagueEuroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
club Panathinaikos Athens' senior team in a tournament in Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, but his nationality prevented him from playing in the Greek Championship
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
as a Greek citizenship player, so he moved to the USA.
Seikaly was the 9th pick in the first round of the 1988 NBA Draft, taken by the Miami Heat. He became one of the best centers in the league with Miami (1989–1994), Golden State (1995–1996), Orlando (1997–1998) and New Jersey (1998). He was a small center by NBA standards, but more athletic and quicker than most .
In 1988, the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
used their franchise's first ever draft
1988 NBA Draft
The 1988 NBA Draft took place on June 28, 1988 in New York City, New York. The length was reduced from seven rounds in the previous year to three rounds.-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Notable undrafted players:...
pick (9th overall that year) to select the center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
. His career with Miami saw him setting numerous team records including block
Block (basketball)
In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
s (8), rebounds (34) and double doubles. He averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his career with the Heat. He was also in the NBA's top 7 rebounders for 5 straight years. He was also named the NBA's Most Improved Player
NBA Most Improved Player Award
The National Basketball Association's Most Improved Player Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1985–86 NBA season, to the most improved player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of sportswriters throughout the United States and Canada,...
in 1990. During his run with the Heat, he had the nickname "The Spin Doctor", due to his trademark low-post spin moves.
In 1994, Seikaly was traded to the Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
where he spent two years before going on to play for the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
and averaged 16 points and 9.5 rebounds for the Magic. During the 1997–1998 season he was traded to the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, but the transaction was voided. Eventually, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in early 1998, before announcing his retirement from the game in 2000. He holds NBA career averages of 14.7 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game and 1.29 blocks per game.
Seikaly's NBA career highs in a game are 40 points, 34 rebounds, 8 blocked shots, 4 steals and 6 assists.
After Seikaly left the NBA, he signed with the Spanish League
Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto
The Liga ACB, known as the Liga Endesa for sponsorship reasons, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in Spain. It was founded in 1956 with the name of Liga Nacional. The league changed its name to the current one in 1983. The league is rated as one of the three "A" level European...
basketball team FC Barcelona.
United States national basketball team
Seikaly played for the US national basketball team at the 1986 FIBA World Championship1986 FIBA World Championship
The 1986 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Spain from July 5 to 19 1986.The Final phase of the tournament was held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad, Madrid...
, and with the US team he won the gold medal.
Lebanese national basketball team
Seikaly was briefly included in the Lebanese National Basketball TeamLebanon national basketball team
The Lebanon national basketball team is the basketball team representing Lebanon in international competitions.-History:The first time basketball was ever played in Lebanon was in the mid-1920s in the American University of Beirut...
formation wearing the jersey #4. But after consultations with FIBA, he was dropped, since he had been part of the US national team in 1986, which disqualified him from playing for his country Lebanon.
Post basketball career
Seikaly owns and runs a multi-million dollar real estate investment company; he is also an investor in the South Beach, Miami restaurants Quattro, Sosta, Solea, Quattro NY and Club Wall.He is also an avid music lover and has been spotted working as a house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
DJ in some of the biggest clubs in the world. He is frequently spotted with his close friend DJ Erick Morillo
Erick Morillo
Erick Morillo is a Colombian-American DJ, music producer and record label owner. Having produced under a number of pseudonyms, including Ministers De la Funk, The Dronez, RAW, Smooth Touch, RBM, Deep Soul, Club Ultimate and Li'l Mo Ying Yang, Morillo is best known for his international work in...
, and has performed alongside him at Club LIV in the Fontainebleau Hotel
Fontainebleau Hotel
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach or the Fontainebleau Hotel is one of the most historically and architecturally significant hotels on Miami Beach. Opened in 1954 and designed by Morris Lapidus, it was considered the most luxurious hotel on Miami Beach, and is thought to be the most significant...
in Miami Beach. Rony has recently signed with artist management company SKAM Artists and has singles being released on Nervous Records He has DJ Gigs all across the US playing house music.
Every year Seikaly hosts the annual Rony Seikaly Golf Tournament for cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a recessive genetic disease affecting most critically the lungs, and also the pancreas, liver, and intestine...
. When Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . After winning championships in high school and college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers...
returned to the NBA HIV-positive, and there was opposition to his inclusion because of his status, Rony Seikaly challenged him to a game of one-on-one to show everyone that HIV is not contagious by touch. Seikaly also entered the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Miami Open, in an attempt to play pro beach volleyball
Beach volleyball
Beach volleyball, or sand volleyball, is an Olympic team sport played by two teams of two players on a sand court divided by a net.Like volleyball, the object of the game is to send the ball over the net in order to ground it on the opponent’s court, and to prevent the same effort by the opponent....
.
He was formerly married to Mexican model Elsa Benitez
Elsa Benítez
Elsa Benítez is a Mexican model perhaps best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, including appearing on the cover in 2001.-Career:...
, the 2001 and 2006 cover girl for the Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
swimsuit issues. They divorced in 2005; they have a daughter, Mila.
Records and accolades
- Set Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
record for blocks in a game (8) - Set Miami Heat record for free throw attempts in a game (26) and blocks in a season (124)
- 1990 NBA's Most Improved PlayerNBA Most Improved Player AwardThe National Basketball Association's Most Improved Player Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1985–86 NBA season, to the most improved player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of sportswriters throughout the United States and Canada,...
- Set Miami Heat record for rebounds in a season (934)
- NBA Player of the Week award
- Set Miami Heat record for defensive rebounds (26) and total rebounds (34) in a game
- Set Miami Heat record for free throws made in a game (16)
- 20 games of at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in the same game
- Still holds numerous Miami Heat records
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/350943-the-top-10-scorers-in-miami-heat-history#page/6