It was a monumental moment for ex-NBA stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo to help bring American pro basketball into Africa.  The legends made appearances that headlined the league’s first exhibition game on the continent this past Saturday.

Olajuwon and Mutombo even surprised the crowd by jumping into the game for a few minutes in the second quarter.  They were joined by numerous current NBA standouts at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Arena in South Africa, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bradley Beal, Luol Deng, and Chris Paul.

Team World defeated Team Africa 101-97 in the game.  Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 22 points while Beal paced the Team World squad with 18. 

The 52-year-old Olajuwon was able to successfully complete one of his patented “Dream Shake” moves in his short playing stint.  The Basketball Hall of Famer won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets, is the league’s all-time leader in blocks, and a 12-time All-Star.

Mutombo played 18 seasons and made eight All-Star teams.  He trails only Olajuwon on the NBA’s blocked shots list and was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year trophy four times. 

To inquire about Dikembe Mutombo or Hakeem Olajuwon's speaking fees and appearance costs, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.  

Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon's Surprise Appearance in the NBA Africa Exhibition Game: