Synopsis of Interview from China with Deke

[Indazone]

Dikembe Mutombo Interview Highlights

• He had the MRI, and surgery is scheduled April 27 (Monday)
• He told his team mates that they got to believe in themselves now that he is down and out of this playoff.
• He thought Yao had had a great season so far, and he is the guy that impacts Rockets' future most in the playoff.
• He hopes his injury could "motivate" the Rockets and they need to win this series for him.
• He said he won't blame Greg Oden for this injury.
• He said he had no regrets about his 18-year NBA career cos he thought not that many players could play and stay in the league for that long and had so many achievements and an illustrious career.
• When asked to pick his most unforgetable moments in NBA, he said it is impossible to single out any occasion/event. His career is an entirety. He thought if anything it will be the reputation and respect he left. He thought alot of young players look up to him as a role model, a legend, a legacy and want to become the next Mutombo, because he was such an outstanding player, outstanding team mates and friend, and outstanding person, and that is what he wants to be remembered by.
• He said he and Yao are the best of friends, and he treated Yao as his young brother. He had taken Yao under his arms, and watched him grow and develop ever since he joined the Rockets. He transferred to Yao what he knew about basketball and shared his experience in life in US to Yao, cos both of them come from different countries to play basketball in NBA. He knew both will miss each other badly as he now has to leave NBA.
• He said nothing will stop him to come and visit China in July with his family to do something for the Mutombo Foundation and for the kids and to see and thank all the Chinese friends and fans

http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2009-04-23/12434340837.shtml

All I gotta say is win it for Deke! Yao, next time you get a block do Dekes Finger Wag out of respect for a fallen warrior. That would be so awesome!

[duncan228]

He thought if anything it will be the reputation and respect he left. He thought alot of young players look up to him as a role model, a legend, a legacy and want to become the next Mutombo, because he was such an outstanding player, outstanding team mates and friend, and outstanding person, and that is what he wants to be remembered by.

What a class act. He will be remembered exactly as he wants to, he earned it.