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Alan Ogg Obituary
By BRIAN BIGGANE
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Before the Heat had Dwyane Wade, before it had Alonzo Mourning, even before it had Pat Riley, the Heat had Alan Ogg.
Ogg, a 7-foot-2 center out of Alabama-Birmingham, was a gentle giant who joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 1990 and played two seasons as back-up center in Miami.
Ogg, 42, died Sunday of complications from a staph infection in Birmingham, where he grew up.
Heat fans took to Ogg instantly upon his arrival. Whether it was his distinctive name, his long-legged gait or his underdog status - he admittedly did not have a great deal of finesse on the court - many fans stayed until the end of a blowout hoping to see Ogg play a few precious minutes. And as a young expansion team, the Heat suffered plenty of routs.
Paradoxically, fans seemed to find a sense of the everyman in Ogg. They could imagine themselves - if they were that height - doing the things he did despite not being extraordinarily athletic: blocking shots, setting screens and grabbing a few rebounds in brief moments on the court.
Ogg acted like the everyman, too. He had no ego and loved schmoozing with spectators during timeouts and at off-court functions.
Ogg was a pretty good player at UAB, averaging 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds and setting a school record for career blocks (266) that still stands.
In three NBA seasons, the third of which was split between Milwaukee and Washington, his numbers were a more modest 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Ogg
25 Entries
pere bazdaric
June 23, 2025
I am a basketball card collector, I have some cards of Alan Ogg and for me it didn't matter if a player was a scorer, but for me I see to get to the NBA is a great honor and especially the old times of the NBA. I came across some cards or Alan and saw he passed away when i did a google search, reading the comments of him- it's so beautiful what you all wrote of him, may God bless him but most importantly his family, who miss him and also his friends and God bless you too.
from Australia- Pere Bazdaric :-)
Rhea Kessler
March 17, 2010
Alan, I know you and Alec are hanging out now. Neda, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can not seem to find out how to get in touch with you by phone so please call me when you feel like it so we can support each other during these hard times. 8505299914 Alan was a true friend!!
All of my love, Rhea Kessler
Kevin Stewart
November 3, 2009
Alan was a great person the years we spent at school were good i am not much on words but the ones that know Alan knows what i am talking about he will all ways have a place in our heats
November 3, 2009
Enjoyed watching Mr. Ogg during his UAB days.Saddenned to hear of his passing.My condolences to his family.May God comfort you in your loss.
Bill K
November 3, 2009
Rest in peace, Big 53. You will continue to live in the hearts of Blazer fans.
KEVIN GONZALEZ
November 2, 2009
I REMEMBER WATCHING ALAN OGG WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER. HE WAS A TRUE "LUNCHPAIL" TYPE OF PLAYER AND HE WAS A FAN FAVORITE AND ONE OF MINE AS WELL. THIS LOSS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF WHY WE MUST LIVE EVERYDAY AS IF IT IS OUR LAST BECAUSE TOMORROW IS PROMISED TO NO ONE. GOD SPEED ALAN AND REST IN PEACE WITH YOUR FELLOW HEAT BROTHER ALEC KESSLER. WE WILL MISS BOTH OF YOU.
Lisa Goolsby
November 2, 2009
In high school, where being different was the hardest thing you could ever experience, Alan was the nicest, most gracious person you could ever hope to meet. He was a very sweet, quiet and shy guy who will be missed by all the Gardendale Rockets that knew him!!
Clint
November 2, 2009
Alan will be greatly missed. As a UAB student, I spoke with him several times at Blazer games. I can't say I knew him well, but he was never anything but kind and gracious to me. Great basketball player, even better human being.
November 2, 2009
I will always have fond memories of Alan's time spent here is South Florida. My thoughts are with his family.
John
November 2, 2009
I am very sad to hear this. It's always been obvious that he was a very good person, even to those of us who did not know him personally. All of us Heat fans have remembered him fondly through the years, because he came across as someone we wanted to pull for. He made those early years just a little bit better.
I'm truly sorry for the loss.
Mark
November 2, 2009
May God bless Alan's friends and family!
God's speed,
MB
Ranettia Beasley
November 2, 2009
I remember Alan as a baby and small boy.I would go to see him and his Mom(my Aunt Pat). She would read and sing to us.Alan was a very sweet boy . His mother passed when he was very young. No matter the hardships, he forever remained the sweet boy. He was my cousin . I'll always remember him.
Donna
November 2, 2009
WE WANT OGG! WE WANT OGG! How many times did I cheer for my favorite player to get into a Miami Heat game? I still have his Miami Heat Basketball card. He instilled in all of us that everyone makes a difference. He will surely be missed!
Jeffrey Bud
November 2, 2009
I have never been a basketball fan, but reading about Alan Ogg makes me feel that the sport has lost one of the good guys, who by virtue of being an unassuming, non-egotistical person, was better than many of the so-called "greats." It's a shame to lose a guy who (by accounts) was such a nice guy, especially so early. Condolences to his family and friends.
Allen Evans
November 2, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steven Chappell
November 2, 2009
Alan,
You were a good friend in college, and a great man. You were taken from us far too soon. You will be missed.
Roger
November 2, 2009
The heartache the the Ogg family is feeling is rightfully tremendous and overwhelming but with His Grace's allowance for time to pass healing can be found.
Trey Marabella
November 2, 2009
To the Ogg family,
May the lord be with you at this time.
I also want to extend to each and everyone of you, my deepest condolences,prayers and thoughts and support as well as to all of Alan's friends as well.
With deep sympathy,
Trey Marabella
R. Kyle Hodgen
November 2, 2009
May the Lord make His face to shine upon Alan in heaven and on his family on earth.
The UAB family will always cherish great memories of Alan both on the court and off. God Bless!
Jeff Allen
November 2, 2009
I will forever remember Alan's friendship and how he treated other people. He never spoke badly about anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand to a stranger. My prayers will always be with his loving wife, Nita.
God Bless,
Aram Tchividjian
November 2, 2009
I was 15 when Alan Ogg signed to play with the Miami Heat. Iwill always remember him for being a BRIGHT spot on a team that offered few reasons to cheer. He made that season fun. Thank you Alan Ogg and thank you Ogg family for lending him to us. It was an honor to cheer for you.
Dan Marino
November 2, 2009
God Bless, I pray for you, family and friends. RIP. You were a great, kind, good man, I your passing leaves us one less angel on earth.
Steve
November 2, 2009
To the family of Alan Ogg.
The UAB family is mourning the loss of one of the most beloved player to ever wear the UAB uniform. I have many fond memories of watching Alan play basketball and enjoyed seeing him at games since his basketball career ended. I was shocked and saddened to hear Alan is gone. By all accounts, he is in a much better place now and his life has been a beacon to all of God's grace on us.
Jack Throckmorton
November 2, 2009
My condolences to the the family
Kathy
November 2, 2009
To the Ogg family you have my deepest sympathy. May God comfort your hearts and give you strength you need to make it through this tragedy.
God knows Best. Know than Alan will always be with you spiritually.
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