Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin took a moment during Monday’s media day to reflect on the impact of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, who died at the age of 58.

“I would like to begin by offering my condolences to the family and friends of Dikembe Mutombo,” Cronin said. “Rest in peace.”

The NBA announced the death of Mutombo, a Hall of Fame center, on Monday morning.

Cronin attended Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado, about 10 miles north of Denver, where Mutombo began his career from 1991 to 1996.

“Growing up in Denver, I was fortunate enough to see the beginning of his career with quite a few games, and it was so much fun watching him play,” Cronin said. “But I think we all know the impact not only he had on the game of basketball, but on the world as a whole, and he will be missed.”

Mutombo was an eight-time All-Star who specialized as a defensive center forward. He was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year four times.