Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo arrived on the campus of Georgetown University with every intention of becoming a doctor, but his sheer size was too much for Hoya coach John Thompson to overlook. Just three seasons later, Mount Mutombo became the first round pick of the Denver Nuggets going fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft. The towering center made an immediate impact averaging a double-double in points and rebounds while adding nearly three blocked shots per game his rookie season. Mutombo hung his hat on defense, patrolling the lane and offering up his signature finger wag after an emphatic denial of another dunk attempt. Mutombo led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and blocks per game for a record three consecutive seasons. He was a fan favorite in an era when offense was king, but his most lasting influence on the game might be his commitment and dedication to improving life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A six-time member of the NBA's All-Defensive Team, he played 18 professional seasons and retired second on the NBA's career blocked shots list.