Dikembe Mutombo was a legendary NBA player and humanitarian.
Early Life and Education:
Mutombo, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, initially aimed to become a doctor. He attended Georgetown University on an academic scholarship but was persuaded by coach John Thompson to play basketball. By the time he graduated, he had degrees in linguistics and diplomacy and could speak nine languages. He even started learning Chinese and Japanese later in life.
College Basketball Stardom:
At Georgetown, Mutombo quickly made a name for himself with his defensive skills. In his sophomore year, he recorded 12 blocks in one game while backing up Alonzo Mourning. By his senior year, he had earned the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award twice.
NBA Career Highlights:
Mutombo was drafted fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets in 1991. His impact was immediate; he transformed their defense from worst to fifth best within three seasons. In 1994, his team upset the top-seeded Seattle Supersonics in a memorable playoff series where Mutombo averaged 12.2 rebounds and blocked 31 shots.
His signature moveโwagging his finger after blocking shotsโbecame iconic but was eventually banned by the NBA. Despite this, it made him marketable enough to feature in commercials even after retirement.
Award-Winning Defense:
Mutombo won four Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards during his career. After leaving Denver for Atlanta Hawks in 1996 due to contract issues, he continued to excel defensively and helped them achieve multiple 50-win seasons.
In 2001, a midseason trade brought him to Philadelphia 76ers where they reached the NBA Finals that year.
Charitable Work:
Off-court, Mutombo’s contributions were even more significant. In 2007, he built a $29 million hospital in Kinshasa named after his mother. The Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital provided advanced medical care previously unavailable in DRC and treated over a million patients by 2022.
Fans always admired how much he gave back to his community
Two years ago, Mutombo founded another school named after his fatherโthe Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurshipโwhich offers full scholarships including meals and transportation for its students.
As we celebrate 15th anniversary of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital. We want to thank all of the people who have helped us along this journey. There have been more then 1 million people who had been treated at the Hospital. Who can refuse Godโs mission in your life? ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฟ
— Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo)
He also served on various boards like CDC Foundation Board and UNICEF while running his own foundation dedicated to improving lives globally.
Memorable Moments:
Despite being serious about charity work and defense on court; Mutombo had lighter moments too! He claimed Michael Jordan never dunked on him until MJ did so famouslyโand then wagged HIS finger back at Dikembe!
Jordan once closed eyes before making free throw saying “Mutombo this one’s for you baby,” which became legendary among fans
Even though Hakeem Olajuwon holds record for most blocks ever; Dikembe managed four blocks against Clarence Weatherspoon during one possessionโa feat unmatched till date!
Sadly battling brain cancer proved too tough even Mount-Mutombosโ mighty defenses couldnโt fend offโbut surrounded by family when passed awayโweโll forever miss both player-humanitarian sides alike…
