Standing out for his towering height, Mutombo initially pursued a medical career before basketball became his primary focus. He moved to the United States to attend Georgetown University on a USAID scholarship, where he planned to study medicine. However, his potential on the court was soon recognized under the guidance of legendary coach John Thompson.
Dikembe Motumbo, Georgetown
Mutombo entered the NBA after being selected as the fourth overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier shot-blockers and rebounders. Over his 18-year career, Mutombo played for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times, tying for the most in league history. Mutombo's signature finger wag after blocking a shot became iconic, symbolizing his dominance on the court.
Staples Center on March 30, 2007 photo from Getty
Beyond his basketball achievements, Mutombo is highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on improving the lives of people in his native Congo. In 2007 he opened the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in honor of his late mother. In 2015, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as both a basketball legend and a humanitarian. On September 30, 2024, Mutombo passed away at the age 58 as a result of brain cancer. Dikembe Mutombo's impact on basketball and his dedication to humanitarian work made him a beloved figure both on and off the court.
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