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Former US President Barack Obama has mourned the passing of NBA Hall of Famer, former basketballer Dikembe Mutombo.
Obama described Mutombo as one of the best shot blockers of all time who inspired generations.
He also lauded his off-court engagements and efforts to impact the lives of young people across Africa positively.
“Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time.
“But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their impact off the court. Michelle and I are thinking of Dikembe’s family and everyone who knew and loved him,” wrote Obama.
Mutombo, who died of brain cancer at the age of 58, had a decorated basketball career, having played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets.
His son Ryan Mutombo said he was proud of his dad’s acts of kindness across the globe and his pure heart.
In his tribute, he said his father was accessible to everyone and gave freely.
“My dad is my hero because he simply cared. He remains the purest heart I have ever known. At times I thought of my dad as a super-human…My dad was a regular man who would stop at no lengths to honour the world, its people and its creator.
“He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real,” he wrote.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Mutombo was simply ‘larger than life’ and was one of the best shot blockers in the history of NBA.
Mutombo was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds for his career. His No. 55 jersey was also retired by the Nuggets and the Hawks.
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