The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, known for his shot-blocking and the finger wave he used after blocking opponents’ shots, died Monday at the age of 58 from brain cancer. The NBA announced his death.

Mutombo was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

Mutombo led the league in blocks for five consecutive seasons during his 18-year playing career, and retired second on the NBA’s all-time blocked shots list.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mutombo came to Washington’s Georgetown University on an academic scholarship in 1987. He joined the basketball team in his second year and rose to fame.

The Denver Nuggets selected Mutombo fourth in the 1991 NBA Draft.

In addition to the Nuggets, Mutombo played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, the then named New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and the Houston Rockets.

Off the court, Mutombo was known for his humanitarian work. In 1997, he established the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve education and quality of life in his native DRC.

In 2022, the NBA said Mutombo was receiving treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta.

The NBA said he was surrounded by his family when he died Monday.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement saying, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.

“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the continent of Africa.

“I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand 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 continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly.”