Patrick Ewing, you are such a great brother, friend, and a great leader to me. You took Alonzo Mourning and I under your wing, and mentor us from daily workout to a life lesson.
I thank you so much, and I love you for being my brother. Alonzo Mourning, you help me become a better basketball player.
I wish that many young people today can compete blocks like we did. Thank you so much, my brother. I always thank my oldest brother, Ilo Mutombo,
for taking me to the basketball court at the age of 17 for the first time when I didn't want to go. Thanks to my cousins, Dr. Louis Mireille Kanda, for the love and the support since I arrived in the US.
And my agent, David Falk, for his great advice. And I'm proud that I was only the third African player to play in the NBA.
There's some of Congo (DRC) to come to the U. S. with nothing, and now I'm part of the NBA history. It means a lot to me. I want to dedicate this honor to my lovely wife, Rose Mutombo.
The mother of my three beautiful children, my daughter Carrie, my middle man Jack, and my little boy Ryan, who's always there to give me supports. I love you guys so much.
Playing basketball allowed me to become a global citizen. It's because of the game that I was able to build a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is now served more than 140,000 people.
My life mission is to continue to change the living condition of the people in Africa. I may not have won a championship, but I'm a champion to so many people all.
Thank you so much. God bless you.
