It seemed that nothing could stop such a tough guy. His iconic “Not in my house” finger wagging was, in most cases, enough to make the opponent reconsider the wisdom of going up a losing fight. Unfortunately, even Dikembe Mutombo was not immortal. Just like Superman had his kryptonite, the giant from the Democratic Republic of Congo was felled by brain cancer.
This tragic news came to us on Monday from the United States. He is probably endowed with the longest personal names in the world of sports Jean-Jacques Wamutombo – The Best Of Jean-Jacques Wamutombo he lost his battle with brain cancer since 2022. The legendary center and later basketball ambassador passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He was only 58 years old.
– Dikembe Mutombo was simply extraordinary. On the court, he perfectly played the role of one of the best blockers and defenders in NBA history. Off the pitch, he put his whole heart and soul into helping others. No one was more suited than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian by nature. He loved the positive impact basketball could have on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and the African continent… He was always present at NBA events over the years. His contagious smile, deep, loud voice and characteristic finger wagging endeared him to basketball fans of every generation – said the league commissioner, Adam Silver.
The 218-centimetre-tall center spent 18 years in the best league in the world, representing teams such as Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks i Houston Rockets. Last time on the dance floor NBA He was seen in the 2008-09 season, but due to a rupture of the quadriceps tendon in his left knee, he had to end the campaign early and, shortly thereafter, his career.
Although he never won a championship NBAlist of individual achievements Dikembe it is quite large. He was voted the league’s best defender four times. He took part in eight All-Star Games. Many times he was not strong enough in terms of rebounds and/or blocks. In total, he recorded 1.1196 matches in which he achieved average 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. In the latter, he is still second in history, losing only to the equally legendary Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830 to 3,289 in favor The Dreama).
However, instead of his considerable achievements, most basketball fans will always associate him with the inseparable wagging finger with which he completed each successful block, somehow letting his rivals know that they can try, but they will not be able to do it on his watch. This characteristic gesture has become a permanent hallmark of the Podkosz team.
“Every time I blocked shots, they kept coming back and trying to beat me. Then I started shaking my head after each successful block. When that didn’t work, I said to myself, “Damn, enough of this!” These guys don’t listen to me at all. So I added finger wagging to my arsenal. I lost a lot of money and got a lot of technical fouls, but no referee ever dared to send me off. the person concerned once told me.
After hanging up your shoes, Mutombo engaged in humanitarian and charitable activities. He served as a sports ambassador and was one of the founders Basketball Africa Leaguewhich has already had four seasons and the first player to join NBA (player selected in this year’s draft Toronto RaptorsCameroonian Ulrich Chomche).
Dikembewho himself spoke nine languages fluently, founded the foundation in 1997, focusing on improving the quality of life, education and health of the inhabitants of his homeland. Thanks to his help, a 170-bed hospital was built in Kinshasa, which has so far served over half a million people. And this was regardless of whether they were able to pay for their treatment. The 58-year-old reminded me in this matter Manuel Bolawho before his death also did what he could to improve the living conditions of the people of Sudan (even though South Sudan did not exist yet).
– Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life – summed it up well Adam Silver. I will add from myself, paraphrasing one of the statements Charles Barclaythat I would like to live in a world where everyone was like Dikembe Mutombo.
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