The world of professional basketball suffered some sad news Monday morning.
Hall of Fame inductee Dikembe Mutombo reportedly passed away from brain cancer. He was only 58 years of age. The former center had a very interesting path to the NBA. Hailing from Congo, he eventually played under iconic head coach John Thompson at Georgetown. Not knowing a word of English upon entering the United States, Mutombo eventually became one of the nation’s top defensive players.
The 2-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year ended up being drafted No. 4 Overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft. He immediately made his mark as an elite shot-blocking force. Mutombo led the NBA in blocks on three separate occasions. His iconic finger wag endeared him to fans all across the association. An 8-time All-Star and 4-time Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, one could make an argument that Mutombo’s impact off the court was even more special.
He was a noted philanthropist who aimed to give back to the community that raised him. Spending tens of millions of dollars, Mutombo built a hospital for those in his native Congo. It was named after his dear mother. Mutombo was also integral in helping to grow the sport of basketball in Africa. He’d routinely visit his homeland along with fellow NBA players. This included helping to raise funds for new courts, gyms, facilities, and equipment. Mutombo also worked ardently with the Special Olympics.
It was first reported in 2022 that Mutombo was being treated for a brain tumor. Nearly two years after the public reveal, he succumbed to brain cancer. In a special message from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the following words were released in remembrance of the special person that was Dikembe Mutombo:
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others. There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core.
He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communiites, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation. Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by
Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children, his many friends, and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back.”
