African Sports Blog caught up with legendary NBA center Dikembe Mutombo recently.
Dikembe was preparing for the playoffs with the Houston Rockets but weeks after our interview Deke suffered a career ending injury vs the Portland TrailBlazers.
Check out what Dikembe had to say on a number of topics and read on for tributes to Dikembe from Rockets teammates Luis Scola and Yao Ming.
A.S. How did you get started playing Basketball?
D.M. I came to America for Medical School but then the coaches
asked me to join the Basketball team at Georgetown. I had previously played only a little bit in school back home.
A.S. What are some of your fondest memories from your time at Georgetown?
D.M. I broke all the records-rebounding, blocks, I did all of that. I have so many good memories from my time there.
A.S. What made you return to the Houston Rockets this season?
D.M. They have got a great team and organization. They have done so much for me, there was really no reason for me to go away to another team when I could just stay here (Houston) and play my final season here and retire.
A.S. What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
D.M. I think maybe becoming one of the best shot-blockers in NBA history. That was always my goal from when I came into the league. By the time I retire I wanted to be known as one of the best defensive players in the league and I’ve done that.
A.S. What do you think about the other player from the Rep.of Congo in the NBA DJ Mbenga?
D.M.I think if he continues to work hard then good things will happen. I’m very proud of him and I talk to him every week. We’re both from the same country so we talk a lot. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, he doesn’t have to be a starter, just do whatever the coach needs him to do.
A.S. What are your retirement plans?
D.M. Right now just going home and spending time with my wife and kids. They live in Atlanta and I’ve been away for a while.
A.S.Outside of Basketball what other sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
D.M. I love American Football and also Baseball. I’m a sports fan. Also Boxing and Soccer. I find it difficult to keep up but it’s easier when there’s a World Cup.
A.S. Are you planning on going to South Africa in 2010?
D.M. Yeah, also my organization and a couple of people we’re organizing a way to help people get to South Africa next year to watch it. We are working very hard on that project.
A.S. How is the hospital outside Kinshasa? (Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital built in honor of his Mother).
D.M.It’s fine but we’re still trying to raise more money to keep the doors open. It’s taken a lot of funding from me and others. We need more donors to assist with it.
A.S. What are your thoughts on the country( Republic of Congo) at the moment?
D.M. I’m just happy that the civil war is over. If we can capture Kony(LRA leader and indicted war criminal Joseph Kony) who is killing thousands of women and Children in the country then I think we’ll see a bit more peace.
A.S. Do you have a favorite African saying or proverb?
D.M. The best one I remember is that when you take the elevator up don’t forget to send it back down because there’s always people waiting for it. It just means that when you’ve made it, don’t forget where you’ve come from.
A.S. What’s your favorite food from home?
D.M. Everything. Well I guess anything my wife cooks.
A.S. What kind of music do you listen to?
D.M. All African music, Congolese artists, also Reggae.
A.S. What’s your favourite place to visit in Africa apart from your homeland?
D.M. Capetown. I go there every year.
Luis Scola
A.S. How has playing with Mutombo helped you since you’ve joined the Rockets?
L.S He is a great guy, a great player that understands the game. He talks a lot to me which is a great help when I’m playing and even though he doesn’t get to play much anymore, he always does a good job when he gets the chance.
Yao Ming
A.S. How has Mutombo helped you in your time with the Rockets?
Yao. He’s been great for everyone not just me. In Basketball, on and off the court he has been great to me. He has been a good teacher for me and the other young players and for a player as successful as him, it’s been an honor to have him on the same team.
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