Basketball icon Dikembe Mutombo, famed for his shot-blocking and signature finger wag, has passed away at 58 due to brain cancer, the NBA confirmed on Monday. The Hall of Famer, who was inducted in 2015, was an eight-time All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. His career, spanning 18 seasons, saw him lead the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive years, securing his spot as second on the all-time blocked shots list.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the 7-foot-2 Mutombo initially came to the U.S. for academic pursuits at Georgetown University. However, his basketball prowess quickly became evident, leading him to be the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. He went on to play for teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets.

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Outside the NBA, Mutombo was known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly through his foundation, established in 1997 to improve the lives of those in the DRC. In 2022, it was announced that Mutombo was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta. He passed away surrounded by his family.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Mutombo’s impact both on the court and in his humanitarian work, stating, “Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life… his spirit lives on in those he inspired.”

Mutombo’s legacy, marked by his towering presence and philanthropic efforts, will continue to resonate with fans and communities worldwide.