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Two rising NBA stars, Yves Missi and Josh Okogie, are making their mark on and off the court, carrying forward the legacy of African basketball. Their ambitions extend beyond personal success, as they strive to uplift young athletes and communities across the continent. The story of these emerging talents is intertwined with the enduring legacy of NBA great Dikembe Mutombo, whose contributions to basketball and philanthropy continue to inspire generations.
Honouring the Legacy of Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo, who passed away in September 2024, was one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history. Known as “Mount Mutombo,” he built a reputation as a formidable force on the court. His journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to global basketball stardom was filled with challenges.
“Some of the guys who got a chance to play basketball since they were like two or three years old, some of us did not have all the resources,” Mutombo once said, reflecting on his childhood.
“The basketball court was like an hour and a half walk, almost 35 minutes by car to get there if you were lucky, and we did not have shoes.”
Originally arriving in the United States on an academic scholarship with aspirations of becoming a doctor, Mutombo’s life took a different turn when he was recruited by Hall of Fame coach John Thompson in his second year.
“It ended up being one of the greatest decisions, even though I did not go to medical school,” he recalled.
His legendary career was cemented in 2015 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Reflecting on his career, Mutombo once said, “I only want to be remembered as one of the best defensive players to ever play this game. I like to think that I accomplished that.”
Beyond basketball, Mutombo was a dedicated philanthropist. He served as a UNICEF ambassador and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997. He played a key role in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders initiative, mentoring young African players and proving that the future of basketball lay in Africa.
Brendan McKillop, Associate Vice President and Head of Elite Basketball at the NBA, highlighted Mutombo’s influence, stating, “He always made time to come to Basketball Without Borders Africa every year, and the joy that he brought to that camp was a shining light for those kids.”
Yves Missi: From a Basketball Family to NBA Stardom
Cameroon’s Yves Missi, a rising star with the New Orleans Pelicans and a strong contender for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, is focused on both his career and his impact off the court. “On the court, my ultimate goal is to win a championship,” Missi stated. “Off the court, I want to help change things in Africa, not only in Cameroon but across the continent by developing the sport.”
Missi hails from a basketball-driven family, with both of his parents and his brother having played for the national team. Despite growing up around the sport, he only became interested in basketball after watching his brother’s highlights from Harvard.
Now, as he rises in the NBA, Missi is determined to give back. “I just feel like God put me in that position to help other people and these kids as well,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to the next generation of African basketball players.
Josh Okogie: Inspiring African Youth On and Off the Court
Josh Okogie, the Charlotte Hornets guard known for his relentless defense, has been a key figure in elevating African basketball. His leadership on Nigeria’s national team, D’Tigers, has cemented Africa’s growing reputation as a basketball powerhouse.
“The biggest thing is youth and trying to help the youth,” Okogie emphasized.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Okogie’s family immigrated to the United States when he was just three years old. He discovered his love for basketball as a child in Georgia, following his older brother’s interest in the sport. His hard work paid off in 2018 when he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA draft.
“It is not until the draft when you hear your name called that you really realize, whoa, all the work that I have put in since I was a little kid, since middle school, high school, college—it is for this moment,” Okogie reflected.
Off the court, Okogie launched the Okogie Family Foundation, aimed at empowering young people through education and mentorship.
“When I was growing up, I had people along the way who helped me,” he shared. “I want to be able to give that back and impact as many lives as possible.”
A Bright Future for African Basketball
The impact of African players in the NBA continues to grow, and stars like Missi and Okogie are ensuring that future generations benefit from their success. They follow in the footsteps of greats like Mutombo, who dedicated his life to shaping basketball and improving lives in Africa.
Information in this article was sourced from CNN’s African Voices Playmakers, hosted by Larry Madowo.