Most NBA players believe in giving back to the community. They understand that their own communities played a big role in what they’ve become today. I want to spot light one individual that has been a big contributor to his native community. He’s also mentoring other players in the league to do the same. The person that I speak of is Houston Rocket’s backup center Dikembe Mutumbo. While Yao Ming is done for this season, Deke has come in to help with filling the gap by contributing 24rebounds and 11 blocks over the course of the last three games. Aside from his defensive prowess some of the more intangibles includes the experience that he brings to the team, which is beneficial to the younger players including Yao and just an overall work ethic for self improvement.
But this is not about Dikembe’s contributions to the game persae. This is more about the contribution he makes to society. During President Bush’s January ’07 State of the Union address he recognized Mutumbo for contributions, as an American, that he has made here in America and to his home in the Congo. Mutumbo came to the US on a medical scholarship to Georgetown University only to be discovered by his coach, John Thompson. It was at the time that his introduction to the game, led his pro career in the NBA. This has allowed Mutumbo to contribute a great more deal to the development of medical facilites in the Congo.
A hospital funded by Mutumbo provides a much needed medical facility with modern medicines and equipment in the Congo. Deke has a charity dedicated to improving the living condition in the Congo known as the Dikembe Mutumbo Foundation These are the examples of the attributes of an ideal role model. His dedication to improving the conditions of his homeland has rubbed off on other players like team mate Tracey McGrady who has pledged to continue to call attention to the situations in Darfur and ex team mate Juwan Howard who joined Mutumbo on a trip to his homeland to be a part of the positive changes being made in Africa. Deke continues to lead by example and I just believe the country is better for it because he demonstrates the blue print of a humanitarian.
I think there are probably more "good guys" like Mutumbo in the NBA than "bad guys." Too bad most of the media attention goes to the "bad guys."
Every team has its players who do things like this, but the only time we hear about most of them is in the little ads that the NBA does to promote "the NBA cares," project.
But you let one of them get caught speeding or geting into a fight, or demanding a trade and you will hear about that in a heartbeat.
I love that finally we have a positive topic to read...I have heard of Mutombo's efforts and they are great...There are some crazy things happening in Africa and the Middle East that warrant some serious attention. A guy I would like to mention though is Alonzo Mourning, year after year he puts on "Zo's Summer Groove" in Miami a charity event for kids. He also donated a full year's salary to charity a few years back. He's a good guy.
Yep I agree with the rest of the comments above. It's always nice to hear about these men doing something that is good. If only we would all follow suit this world might be a much better place to live in.
