Entertainment Sports NBA's Dikembe Mutombo Is in 'Great Spirits' While Undergoing Treatment for Brain Tumor, League Says "He is receiving the best care possible," Dikembe Mutombo's family shared in a statement issued by the NBA, announcing that the eight-time All-Star is being treated for a brain tumor By Glenn Garner Glenn Garner Glenn Garner is a form writer-reporter who worked heavily with PEOPLE's Movies and TV verticals. He left PEOPLE in 2023. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 16, 2022 01:20PM EDT Photo: Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Basketball fans virtually rallied around Dikembe Mutombo, the retired NBA star, 56, who is reportedly in good hands and "good spirits" as he undergoes treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta, according to a statement issued Saturday by the league and his family. "NBA Global Ambassador and Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor," they announced. "He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment. Dutch Motorcycle Rider Victor Steeman's Mother Dies of Heart Attack 2 Days After His Death "Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes," the statement added. The fan-favorite icon was met with an outpouring of support from friends, fans and others in the NBA, including a few of his alma mater teams. "We're all pulling for you, Dikembe," wrote the Denver Nuggets on Twitter, the team on which Mutombo made his NBA debut. Tony Ressler, principal owner of another of Mutombo's past teams, the Atlanta Hawks, issued a statement: "The Atlanta Hawks organization extends best wishes to Dikembe Mutombo for a full recovery as he begins treatment for a brain tumor. "We know he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that have made him a legend on and off the court," Ressler added. "Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Dikembe, Rose and their entire family." "Thinking of Dikembe today! F cancer," wrote George Karl, former NBA player and head coach. "Dikembe Mutombo is the best of us…" Phoenix Suns alum Rex Chapman posted. "Praying for a full and speedy recovery, dear Dikembe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family," wrote six-time NBA All-Star Pau Gasol. RELATED VIDEO: Doctor Who Evaluated Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa Has Been Fired Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mutombo played basketball for Georgetown University before he was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the fourth overall pick at the 1991 NBA Draft. The eight-time NBA All-Star played 18 seasons on six NBA teams until his retirement as the league's oldest player in 2009.