Basketball Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, according to a statement issued by the NBA on behalf of Mutombo and his family.
“NBA Global Ambassador and Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. He is receiving the best possible care from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment. Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes.”
During his 18-year career in the NBA, Mutombo was an eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He also was named to three All-Defensive first teams. He led the NBA in blocks three times and was a two-time rebound leader.
His No. 55 jersey is retired by the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks.
Before his stellar NBA career, Mutombo starred at the University of Georgetown. He was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons as a sophomore and junior.
Mutombo’s son, Ryan, is a sophomore at Georgetown. Ryan appeared in 27 games as a freshman.
Fellow Hoyas alum and current Georgetown men’s basketball coach Patrick Ewing reacted to the news on Mutombo.
The 56-year-old Mutombo has been an NBA ambassador and praised for his humanitarian work following his playing career. He earned a humanitarian award from Harvard Medical School for his efforts and dedication to health care. He has been a prominent figure in charitable efforts that have included feeding the homeless and mentoring children throughout the continent of Africa, particularly in his homeland of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
