Turiaf returns to Spokane

Ronny Turiaf was released from a Palo Alto, Calif., hospital on Tuesday, just one week after undergoing open heart surgery, and returned to Spokane to continue his rehabilitation.

The former Gonzaga University men’s basketball star and second-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers issued a brief statement through the GU athletic department, saying he was excited to return “home,” but asked that his privacy be respected.

Turiaf, who spent the past several days in the intermediate intensive care unit at Stanford University Medical Center following surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root, said he plans to speak publicly as soon as he settles in and has his rehabilitation program outlined.

“I will meet with the media to update you to the best of my ability as to what is ahead for me,” he said.

Turiaf, who had the $1 million contract he signed with the Lakers voided after his heart condition was discovered, plans to stay with friends in the Spokane area.

His NBA future remains in doubt, but Dr. Craig Miller, the cardiovascular surgeon who performed the surgery on Turiaf, said he felt Turiaf should eventually be able to play again.

Miller noted the final decision on that matter would be up to the Lakers, who have retained his draft rights.