Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, commonly referred to as Dikembe Mutombo, is a Congolese American retired professional basketball player who played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association. Outside basketball, he has become known for his humanitarian work...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth25 June 1966
CityKinshasa, DR Congo
CountryUnited States of America
philosophy believe party
I believe in the Democratic party, and their philosophy and what they stand for - for the poor people.
fall men long
It took a long time for me to walk. I was falling down all the time. But I ended up being one of the dangerous men, who broke so many people's noses, which is bad.
war doctors nurse
The doctors and nurses at the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital are saving lives every day and helping improve health care in the DRC which has been ravaged by more than a decade of war and disease.
nba games becoming
The NBA is becoming a global game.
mom strong dad
My heroes always are mostly my parents - my father especially, and my mom, who's passed on already. My dad is a very strong man, and by him being educated, and a principal and school superintendent over 37 years, he plays such a big role in my life.
play white house
As a matter of fact I've been asked to come when I'm free to play at the White House.
memories thinking years
My favorite memory is my five years with the Nuggets. From my first day to my last day is a great memory. There wasn't a year that I was a Nugget that I didn't think we succeeded.
nba helping chance
I've always felt obligated to help those less fortunate than me. It's an obligation that anyone who has a chance to be in the NBA should feel and act upon.
jobs sorry mistake
I don't think God said we should all be soft. My job is to compete, and the best prevails. I will continue to play, and that's the way I'm succeeding in my life. If I hit you by mistake, all I can say is 'I'm sorry,' and I keep moving on.
morning games play
I know the president is quick. I have friends who played with him during the campaign; they say he's very good. I told the president that whenever the next pickup game is, I'll get on the plane to Washington - but sometimes they play so early in the morning.
organization decision leaving
My decision leaving the Nuggets was based on the organization not saying they had the cap room to sign me.
medicine each-day healthcare
Scores of Congolese die each day unnecessarily due to the lack of access to healthcare and modern medicine.
nba organization ambassadors
It's easy to be a spokesman and ambassador for a great organization like the NBA. I thank Commissioner David Stern for putting that trust in me to serve the NBA around the globe.
president trying firsts
I am not in politics. 'President Mutombo?' No, no, no. There has never been a politician in my family, and I am not going to try to be the first one.