Iconic Congolese-American basketball star Dikembe Mutombo, known for his exceptional defensive skills during his NBA career, passed away at the age of 58, the league confirmed on Monday.
The NBA announced that Mutombo, an eight-time NBA all-star, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones after bravely battling brain cancer.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver described the 7ft 2in Hall-of-Famer as “larger than life,” highlighting his remarkable shot-blocking and defensive abilities on the court, as well as his dedicated humanitarian work off the court.
During his 18 seasons in the NBA, Mutombo devoted himself to improving living conditions in his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, through his personal foundation. His philanthropic endeavours, including significant donations towards the construction of a hospital in Kinshasa, earned him numerous humanitarian awards, such as the US President’s Volunteer Service Award.
According to Silver, Mutombo’s compassion and generosity were at the core of his being, as evidenced by his love for using basketball as a force for positive change in communities, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and across Africa.