AfricanTribute

DIKEMBE MUTOMBO

Dikembe Mutombo ranks among the most accomplished African sportsmen of all time, a fact which in itself would guarantee him a spot on AfricanTribute. However his recognition by this site has far more to do with the man that he is, than his towering height and athletic prowess. Mutombo, in spite of all his success and wealth, has always stayed true to his African values, mostly evident in his generousity, compassion and courtesy. In many National Basketball Association(NBA) circles, he is referred to as the "genuine nice guy". Obviously this description stricly applies to his off-the-court affairs because inside the court he is better known as the master of rejection for his ruthless defensive talents. Mutombo is known to give graciously to charities and is greatly revered in his home country, The Democratic Republic of Congo (Formely Zaire) for his generousity. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, a charitable organization started by him to assist impoverished children of Africa has made a lot of strides and is slowly emerging as one of Africa's leading charities. In recognition of his tireless devotion to community activities, Mutombo has been awarded the President's Service Award, the USA's highest honor for volunteer service.

Dikembe Mutombo was born on June 25^th 1966 in Kinshasa, capital city of Zaire(now The Democratic Republic of Congo). He came to the United States on a USAID scholarship to Georgetown University. His initial plan was to study Medicine and possibly go back to his home country to practice. Little did he realize that with his towering height(7'2") and good body strength he would soon attract a lot of attention from Georgetown's sports personnel. In his second year at Georgetown, coach John Thompson convinced Mutombo to join the University Basketball team. Mutombo would later change his Medical ambitions and graduate in Linguistics and Diplomacy. Apparently, he is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese plus five other African dialects. Much of his medical ambitions are also still alive and are manifested through his charitable organisation, which concentrates on improving the health of poor Africans. He has teamed up with some leading American Doctors in his quest for a healthier Africa.

For someone who didnt grow up playing basketball, and who came into the game relatively late, I think its fair to say that Mutombo's professional basketball career has been nothing but spectacular. Though his career at Georgetown University was in all respects a lucklustre one, his professional career has been a different story altogether. His professional career began in 1991 when he was signed by the Denver Nuggets. He stayed in Denver until 1996 when he moved to the Atlanta Hawks. Though he had quite successful careers both in Denver and Atlanta, he actually established a strong name recognition after joining the high-flying Philadelphia 76ers for the 2000-2001 season. In that season, the 76ers starring NBA superstar Allen Iverson and Mutombo came quite close to winning the NBA championship, making it to the finals and losing to Shaquille O'Neal and his LA Lakers. Mutombo has recently been acquired by the 2001-2002 NBA finalists New Jersey Nets to boost their efforts in yet another quest for the championship. Its not hard to figure out why New Jersey would seek Mutombo's services given that their loss to the Lakers in the 2001-2002 NBA finals was largely attributed to lack of effective defense against Shaquille O'Neal, the Laker's dominating center. As statisics stand right now, Mutombo is the only player in NBA history to receive 4 Defensive Player of the Year Awards. No other NBA player has got it more than twice.

Mutombo's exploits brings to mind the career of yet another African-born NBA superstar Hakeem Olajuwon, whose legendary Dream Shake moves led Houston Rockets to 2 back-to-back NBA Championships in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. Olajuwon, who has since taken up American citizenship, is idolized in Houston and is widely respected by his peers for his gentlemanly qualities. He is a devout Muslim and like Mutombo, participates in numerous charitable activities.

We here at AfricanTribute wish Mutombo all the best in his quest for an NBA championship eventhough in our eyes and in that of many Africans, he has and always will be a true Champion and an excellent Ambassador for the African Continent.

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