The phrase “No, no, no” will never be the same again.

The NBA announced on Monday the stunning death of Hall of Famer, humanitarian and one of basketball’s most feared players Dikembe Mutombo, who died of brain cancer.

Mutombo, the NBA’s first “world ambassador,” was 58.

He was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2022 and when he passed away, he was surrounded by his family.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life on the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. From the ground up, he poured his heart and soul into helping others,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said of his friend in a released statement.

“There was no one better qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first global ambassador. He was a humanitarian at heart. “He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent,” he continued. “I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.

“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. “I am one of many people whose lies touched a great heart, and I will miss him dearly,” he added.

“On behalf of the entire NBA family, I extend my deepest condolences to Dick’s wife, Rose, and their children: his many friends; and the global basketball community, which he truly loved and who loved him back,” he concluded.

For younger fans who may not be familiar with the basketball phenomenon, Mutombo had an NBA career that spanned from 1991 to 2009. Many may have been introduced to him through his memorable “no, no, no” finger swipe during Geico car insurance commercials . with its countless blocks and taunts.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mutombo became one of the best defensive players of all time during his 18-year career. He played for a total of six teams, but spent most of his time with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, in addition to a multi-season stint with the Philadelphia 76ers and one season each with the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks. .

He was an eight-time All-Star, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and led the NBA in blocks in 1994, 1995, and 1996. He also led the league in rebounds in 2000 and 2001. Both the Hawks and Nuggets have retired his number, since Mutombo was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

After retiring in 2009, Mutombo dedicated his life to philanthropy and humanitarianism, focusing on charity health care in his native country and other developing countries.

The emergency room, intensive care unit and 150 beds of Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital began serving patients in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, when it opened in December 2007.

“My thing is about fighting the death rate so we can make people live longer,” he told NBC News in 2016. “That has been my business, my motivation.”

The NBA icon, born Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean Jacque Wamutombo in 1966, is survived by his wife Rose, their three children and four children of Rose’s late brothers whom they adopted in 1996.