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DraftKings Post-Ups: Stevens Recalls Trip to Africa with Mutombo

Marc D'Amico
Team Reporter and Analyst

Tuesday, November 24 - Celtics at Hawks

Pregame - Hawks To Retire Mutombo's No. 55; Stevens Recalls Trip to Africa

ATLANTA – At its crux, basketball is only a sport. For two players who hail from Africa, however, it was a springboard for changing the world.

Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon used their careers to benefit their country more so than themselves. They have created foundations, donated countless dollars and hours, and consistently returned to their homeland to make it a better place.

Mutombo and Olajuwon participated in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders trip to Africa this past offseason, and Brad Stevens was right there by their side. Stevens also participated in the program and serves as an assistant coach for Team World in the first-ever NBA game played in Africa. Boston’s coach was asked about the trip on the night Mutombo’s No. 55 will be retired here in Atlanta.

“You go there, you get there and you have your intro meeting and it’s my family sitting with Hakeem Olajuwon and his boys,” Stevens said, clearly still awe-struck three-plus months removed from the event. “You’re on the bus ride to the orphanage that we all visited and I’m sitting right behind Dikembe Mutombo.

“Are you kidding me?” he continues. “Like, I’m still just a 39-year-old basketball fan.”

Stevens was able to witness first-hand just how important Mutombo and Olajuwon are to their country. Each Hall-of-Famer is not only a celebrity, but also a pillar of hope.

“It was pretty special to be around those guys, especially in their country, and to see how admired they are not only here but there. It’s pretty amazing,” Stevens said. “They were incredible. Both of those guys were at their best when with the kids and when participating in the community events because they understand how much they mean to that country.”

In a shocking twist – at least to those watching the game live in person or on ESPN – Mutombo and Olajuwon actually took the court as members of Team Africa. Mutombo logged three rebounds and a steal in 3:39 of playing time, while Olajuwon scored a bucket and grabbed a steal in his 2:14 of action.

“It was awesome,” Stevens said of their appearance in the game. “Olajuwon put that spin move on and scored the ball, and just having those two guys out there again… it was neat.”

There is no doubt that tonight will be everything from awesome to neat as well. The Hawks will rightfully raise Mutombo’s No. 55 into the rafters where it will live forever. Everyone who looks at that jersey, including the Celtics, can let it serve as a reminder that great players can do great things both on and off the court.

Because basketball is more than just a game.

- Marc D'Amico