Coach Vern

I’m so heartbroken to hear about the passing of my dear friend and basketball Hall of Famer, Dikembe Mutombo. He was not only a great basketball player who could protect the rim as an elite shot-blocker, but also an incredible man with a pure heart of gold. He dedicated much of his life to serving others, which is evident through his lasting impact both in the U.S. and in Africa. Through his foundation, he helped build a remarkable $29 million hospital in his home country of Congo, personally contributing $15 million to the project! As an NBA Global Ambassador and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, he received numerous well-deserved awards over the years for his humanitarian efforts. I will truly miss his big smile, his spirit, and his powerful voice. Cookie and I are keeping his wife Rose, his children, and the rest of his family in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏🏾