Dikembe Mutombo praises NBA's commitment to African athletes: 'You will see more'
The NBA has always been diverse. But as of late, there has been a steady influx of African players getting their well-deserved turn in the spotlight like Cameroonians Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam, who are leading the way for more to come.
Dikembe Mutombo, one of the best-known African athletes who played in the league, opened up to Yahoo Sports about what he told late NBA commissioner David Stern when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1991.
"I told David Stern I didn't want to be the last Dikembe Mutombo playing in the NBA, and it brings me joy that it won't be the case," the retired Congolese-American center said. "So many African players have the dream, but sadly don't have anyone to help them start the journey. If we can show them that it's possible, those kids will achieve their dream.
"In recent years, the NBA has become very engaged in the continent of Africa, whether it's by building more basketball courts or teaching the game to the future stars. There are close to 20 or 30 African players in college and the league. The number is still growing, but you will see more."
Keeping the spirit of 1993 alive in 2022
Throughout the NBA's 75th anniversary season, the league and respective brands are celebrating players of yesteryear and current favorites.
Michelob ULTRA, the NBA's official beer partner, is taking fans through a trip down memory lane in hopes of triggering the nostalgia in basketball supporters nationwide. They tapped NBA legends Mutombo, Dominique Wilkins and others to "Enjoy It Like It's 1993."
Throughout All-Star weekend, Michelob took over a local bar in Cleveland and aptly named it 'Boom Shaka Lakas' — a retro '90s barcade where fans could hang out and play unlimited rounds of NBA Jam, collect merchandise and hear musical performances from DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fat Joe.
"The '90s were a good time, and the joy NBA Jam brought to our fans was special," Mutombo said. "The way the game was played, the way people talked about the center position, playing basketball in the '90s was truly special."
People talk of the late 1980s and well into the late 1990s as the golden era of the NBA, a turning point in the game where the likes of Michael Jordan was setting the standard for aggressive play, but also faced competition from unlikely opponents. Considering how trying the last couple years have been, Mutombo welcomes the celebration of simpler times, and hopes it continues for years to come.
"Our fans are really what made the game great and there are so many great memories our fans need to know about, so I'm happy to team up with Michelob and bring those fun times to everyone," he said.
Visit EnjoyItLikeIts1993.com for merch and information on the Michelob ULTRA x NBA collaborations.
