The phrase “No, no, no” will never be the same again.

The NBA announced Monday the unexpected death of Hall of Famer, humanitarian and one of basketball’s most feared shot blockers, Dikembe Mutombo, who died of brain cancer.

Mutombo, the NBA’s first “global ambassador,” was 58 years old.

He was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2022 and was with his family when he died.

“Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life on the court, one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said of his friend in a released statement.

“There was no one more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first global ambassador. At his core, he was a humanitarian. “He was passionate about the positive impact the game of basketball can have on communities, particularly in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and across the African continent,” he continued. “I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion empowered people. Over the years, he was always available at NBA events with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”

“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lies touched a great heart and I will miss him very much,” he added.

“On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dick’s wife, Rose, and their children: his many friends; and the global basketball community that he truly loved and that loved him back,” he concluded.

For younger fans who may not be familiar with the basketball phenom, Mutombo had an NBA career that spanned from 1991 to 2009. Many may have come to know him through his memorable “No, no, no” finger wag during the Geico car insurance commercials, which included his countless blocks and taunts.

Mutombo, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, developed into one of the best defensive players of all time over the course of his 18-year career. He played for a total of six teams, but spent most of his time with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, he also spent more than one season with the Philadelphia 76ers and one season each with the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks.

He was an eight-time All-Star, four-time Defensive Player of the Year and led the NBA in blocks in 1994, 1995 and 1996. He also led the league in rebounds in 2000 and 2001. Both the Hawks and Nuggets have had his number retired since Mutombo was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

After his retirement in 2009, Mutombo dedicated his life to philanthropy and humanitarianism, focusing on charitable health efforts in his home country and other developing countries.

The Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital’s emergency room, intensive care unit and 150 beds began serving patients in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, when it opened in December 2007.

“My concern is to address the mortality rate so we can give people longer lives,” he told NBC News in 2016. “That was my concern, my motivation.”

Born Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean Jacque Wamutombo in 1966, the NBA icon is survived by his wife Rose, their three children and four children of Rose’s late brothers, who adopted her in 1996.