The 7'2" basketball player commonly referred to simply as Dikembe Mutombo actually has a much longer full name that is definitely a tongue twister for most westernized English speakers. The Congo native actually has a full name that consists of Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo. With a full name that complex it is no wonder that American sportscasters long ago shortened the name of the accomplished hoops player down to Dikembe Mutombo decades ago.
As briefly mentioned Dikembe Mutombo hails from the Congo region of Africa. Dikembe came to the United State through joint efforts by himself, the United State Agency for International Development (USAID), and Georgetown University Hoyas head basketball coach John Thompson. These three entities are responsible for providing opportunities for Dikembe Mutombo which he has responsibly taken advantage of in a manner that has allowed him to give back tremendously.
While most seven foot basketball players who arrive on campus for their freshmen year have making it to the NBA as their number one career goal Mutombo had a different set of priorities when he first arrived on the Washington D.C. campus of Georgetown University. Mutombo was playing basketball in the Big East conference not merely as an avenue for generating exposure for the NBA Draft but rather as a means of paying for his education in his attempt to become a medical doctor.
Life was confusing for the young Mutombo when he first arrived in the United States. Despite being larger than 99% of full grown men he was still a kid at heart. Chief amongst the cultural differences was the fact that Dikembe spoke pretty much no English whatsoever. To compensate for the language gap Dikembe Mutombo began his schooling in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program that was offered at Georgetown.
As a college basketball player Dikembe Mutombo was outstanding, particularly on the defensive side of the ball where his athleticism and shot blocking prowess could really flourish. Although a bit raw on the offensive end of the court he was able to make up for ball handling shortcomings with raw physical talent.
Away from the court Mutombo was an excellent student who worked hard in the classroom despite the promise of financial rewards in professional basketball that were all but guaranteed. As an undergraduate student despite his standout size and international celebrity he spent his summers working in traditional internships like most other Georgetown University student. Before receiving his diploma in diplomacy and linguistics he spent summers interning at the World Bank and the US Congress.
Sam, the author of this article, thinks that when Mutombo isn't working on his humanitarian efforts he may rendezvous with other great Georgetown Centers for a game of golf from time to time. It would be a site to see the expressions on unsuspecting golfers when they spot Dikembe with a Georgetown University golf bag playing alongside his old college teammate Alonzo Mourning who might also have his own Georgetown University golf bag. The two seven footers would definitely stand out on most any golf course.
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