NBA Africa and Quest Water Global will build or renovate 55 full-size and 3-on-3 basketball courts across the Democratic Republic of Congo by 2030, the two organisations announced. The project supports NBA Africa's commitment to construct or refurbish 1,000 courts across the continent over the next decade, with Quest Water Global named the league's Official Infrastructure Development Partner in the country.
The collaboration honours Dikembe Mutombo, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer who became the NBA's first global ambassador after retiring in 2009. A first court was unveiled at Cercle Onatra in Kinshasa, the arena where Mutombo began his playing career with Basketball Club Onatra before moving to the United States. The playing surface features his No. 55 at centre court and is set to host thousands of young people annually. An 80-coach Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic was held to mark the opening, and a second court is expected in Mutombo's hometown of Mbuji-Mayi in the coming weeks.
"Dikembe believed basketball was a powerful tool for teaching young people discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, and service to others," said Rose Mutombo. NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi said the partnership would expand access to the sport in a country that "holds a special place in the history of our game" because of Mutombo's legacy. Quest Water Global CEO John Balanko called the collaboration a reflection of "our shared belief that healthy, thriving communities need more than one thing."
