In a heartfelt tribute, former U.S. President Barack Obama expressed his sorrow over the passing of NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo. Recognized for his dominant presence on the basketball court, Mutombo was widely regarded as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history.

Beyond his athletic achievements, however, he made a profound impact as a global ambassador for the sport, using his platform to inspire a generation of youth, particularly across Africa.

''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''.

Dikembe Mutombo, the legendary Hall of Fame center known for his iconic finger-wagging and his humanitarian work off the court, passed away at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer, the NBA announced on Monday.

Mutombo had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta for the past two years. He died surrounded by family, according to an NBA statement.