The center who won multiple NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and whose philanthropy helped his native Congo died of brain cancer, per reports.

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died Monday from brain cancer. The Congolese American earned eight-time All-Star selections and was named the NBA's defensive player of the year four times during his pro career.

Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game, Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo,” the Rockets said in a statement.