Mar 7, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas former player Dikembe Mutombo at the game against the Villanova Wildcats during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Dikembe ‘Mt.’ Mutombo Dies After Fight Against Brain Cancer

Former NBA player and Hall of Famer Dikembe “Mt.” Mutombo died Monday after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 58.

Mutombo played for the Nuggets, Hawks, 76ers, Nets, Knicks and Rockets across his 19-year career.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement released by the NBA on Monday. “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.”

On Court Success

Standing at 7-foot-2 and 245 pounds, the right-handed center dismantled opposing offenses.

Playing for 18 years, “Mt. Mutombo” was known for his consistent defensive prowess. Mutombo won four Defensive Player of the Year awards, which makes him tied for the most in NBA history, and finished in the top three in voting five other times. The DRC native led the NBA in blocks three times and concluded his career averaging 2.8 per season.

His presence in the frontcourt was undeniable, but his longevity was one of his strongest features. Mutombo played for nearly two decades at an all-NBA level.

Mutombo was well known for his famous finger wag, which let opposing players know not to mess with him after a blocked shot.

Off the Court

Besides being a Hall of Famer, Mutombo was also a force for the people. He served on the Special Olympics board as well as the the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the US Fund for UNICEF. Mutombo spoke a total of nine languages including English, French, Spanish and Lingala.

Mutombo also has a son, Ryan, a 7-2 center, who plays for the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets. Ryan spent three seasons at Georgetown where he played in 54 games and averaged 3.3 points per game.

“My dad is my hero because he simply cared,” Ryan Mutombo wrote on social media on Monday. “He remains the purest heart I have ever known.”

About Alexander Vafeas

Alexander Vafeas is a third-year Sports Journalism student at the University of Florida who currently serves as one of WRUF's NFL beat writers.

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