Dikembe Mutombo news leaves NBA world gutted for Hall of Famer

The basketball world has been rocked by the devastating news that NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

The NBA made the sad announcement on Saturday (Sunday AEDT), on behalf of the basketball legend's family.

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Regarded as one of the best defenders in the league's history, Mutombo has been a global ambassador for the NBA for a number of years.

The 56-year-old - who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo - is widely loved and respected across the world, and was one of the most iconic players of the 1990s and 2000s.

"Dikembe Mutombo is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor," the NBA statement said.

"He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment," the statement said.

"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."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver sent a message of support, saying: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dikembe, one of the world's great humanitarians."

The towering Congolese is an eight-time NBA All-Star, and ranks second all-time in the league for blocked shots (3,289), behind Nigeria's Hakeem Olajuwon.

He was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year four times.

Mutombo and Olajuwon were the first major basketball talents from Africa to make a name in the NBA, opening the door for others such as Luol Dieng and Joel Embiid.

His signature move was a finger wag, which he used to let opponents know he was not to be taken lightly.

Mutombo was drafted by the Nuggets in the first round in 1991, before heading to Atlanta and Philadelphia. He played in the NBA Finals twice, though both were losing efforts.

He wrapped up his pro career in 2009 after 18 seasons.

He started the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997 to improve the quality of life for people in his home country.

Before his time in the NBA, Mutombo was a standout for the Georgetown University Hoyas, only joining the basketball team as a sophomore and graduating with a linguistics degree. His son Ryan now plays at Georgetown.

Basketball world prays for Dikembe Mutombo

Current Georgetown coach and fellow NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing was one of the numerous people across the basketball world to send their thoughts and prayers to Mutombo and his family.

"Please keep Dikembe and the Mutombo family in your prayers. Hoya Nation is behind you, Dikembe," Ewing wrote.

with agencies

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