Dikembe Mutombo’s Background
Humble Beginnings in the Congo
As we enter the holiday season, I’d like to honor the legacy of basketball Hall-of-Famer Dikembe Mutombo.
Born on June 25, 1966 in Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mutombo was a faithful giant with a gentle soul. Standing at 7’2, the son of Samuel and Biamba Marie Mutombo had no problem standing out among nine siblings.
Before growing to a height that would help anyone succeed athletically, his parents expected him to excel academically.
This comes as no surprise since his father worked as a principal and in the Congo’s Department of Education.
His parents emphasis on education is evident as Mutombo spoke several languages including Spanish, French, and five central African languages.
He attended Boboto College taking courses in preparation for a career in the medical field.
On the athletic field, Mutombo played soccer and was involved in martial arts. While good at these sports, his father and brother knew basketball was his best chance at athletic greatness.
Becoming A Georgetown Hoya
Mutombo’s athletic greatness began to take form after his brother made him play basketball in a junior league. A year later, he joined Zaire’s (Congo’s) National team.
Along with starting basketball, Mutombo also followed in his brother’s footsteps by coming to play in America on an academic scholarship.
He enrolled in Georgetown University’s School of Language and Linguistics. Within a few days of coming to the school, Head Coach John Thompson heard about his height.
After meeting Mutombo, Coach Thompson gave him the opportunity to play for the Hoya’s.
Unfortunately, his freshmen year was spent playing intramural basketball and learning English due to being unable to join the varsity team.
One could say becoming a Hoya is a manifestation of Psalm 37:23 in Mutombo’s life. This is because he would receive guidance from an individual who held education in the same regard as his family.
Mutombo held Coach Thompson in high regard, thanking him for his role in helping him become a man.
In fact, Coach Thompson challenged all his students to think about life beyond basketball and stay abreast about current events. This philosophy would have an instrumental impact on Mutombo’s humanitarian efforts later in life.
Efforts On and Off the Court
Mutombo’s Georgetown & NBA Accolades
Before highlighting Mutombo’s work off the court, let’s look at his efforts on the hardwood.
In three seasons as a Hoya, he scored 947 points, grabbed 823 rebounds, blocked 354 shots and acquired 43 steals. He also had 75 assists and averaged 64.1% from the free throw line.
Along with these great stats, Mutombo also
- Set a single game record with 12 blocks against St. John’s (his freshmen year).
- Named All-Big East in 1990 and 1991.
- Named Big East Player of the Year in 1991.
- Daly Award Winner in 1991.
These accolades helped Mutombo get drafted to the Denver Nuggets as the fourth pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. This privilege earned him the honor of being the third ever African to become an NBA player.
During his time in the league, Mutombo played nineteen seasons for six teams: the Hawks, Knicks, Nets, Nuggets, Rockets, and 76ers.
He averaged a double-double in points and rebounds in his rookie season with the Nuggets. His play over nineteen season also earned him accolades such as being a
- 8 time NBA All-Star.
- 6 time NBA All-Defensive Team Member.
- 5 time leader in blocked shots for straight seasons.
- 4 time All-Defensive Player of the Year.
- 3 time All-Defensive first team member.
- 3 time NBA Block Leader.
- 2 time Rebound Leader.
Two of his most impressive feats are becoming an NBA Global Ambassador and a two time J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award recipient.
Faith with Good Works
Mutombo earned the last two accolades mentioned in the previous section because of his humanitarian efforts off the court. Mutombo did not perform good works for public recognition and praise.
Instead, he dedicated his life to meeting the needs of others to God through his platform. Mutombo did this by surrendering to the passion God gave him for citizens in Africa who were sick and dying.
For Mutombo, submitting to this God given passion meant living out principles taught in James 1:27; 2:14-17. He applied works to his faith in several ways including
- Founding the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.
- Serving as a spoken for CARE (an international relief agency).
- Serving on the boards of the Centers for Disease Control, the National Constitution Center, Special Olympics International and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
- Paying the expenses for the Congo’s Women Basketball and Track & Field teams trips to the 1996 Summer Olympics.
The Cries of a Gentle Soul
Honoring Biamba Marie Mutombo
He also obeyed the fifth commandment through his deeds by building a hospital in his mother’s honor.
He did this to thank her for being an incredible mother who made church attendance mandatory for their household.
Sadly, Mutombo’s gesture was also inspired by his mother’s death. She passed away due to not being able to get to the hospital which was about ten minutes from where she lived.
Along with having a hospital in her honor, Marie Mutombo’s legacy lives on as many younger women in the family share her name.
This display of reverence for Marie proves a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30). Marie’s tragedy also shows God is able to work everything for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Taking a Stand Against Racism
Another near tragic situation God used for Mutombo’s good happened on his wedding day in 1996. While looking for a teammate he was picking up from the train station, he was held at gunpoint by police.
The police accused him of stealing his own vehicle. The only reason he did not die was a black police officer recognized him.
This experience compels Mutombo to cry aloud, spare not, and lift up his voice like a trumpet against racism. He did this in 2020, using his social media page to ask his followers to pray after George floyds death.
During an interview with Eastside Baptist Church, Mutombo also urges pastors to tell people not to kill and love their neighbor.
Mutombo recognizes murders and other injustices occur because people are hurting in ways only the Gospel can heal.
Brain Cancer Didn’t Win the Battle or the War
While interceding for those needing spiritual healing, Mutombo needed others to pray for his physical well being. This is due to being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022 .
According to his son, the disease caused him to lose the ability to travel, walk without assistance and other obstacles. Though he suffered, he remained as resilient as he could until the end.
Mutombo transitioned from this life on September 30, 2024. Though saddened by his passing, all believers should take comfort in knowing he fulfilled his God-given calling.
Let’s emulate his example so that we too may hear “well done good and faithful servant” at the end of our days.
Also pray for his wife Rose, three children and other relatives as this is their first Christmas without him.
Thank you Mr. Mutombo for being a big presence on the court and making a giant impact in life!
Are you inspired by the legacy of Dikembe Mutombo? I’d love to hear your feedback. Your comments are greatly appreciated!
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