Bismack Biyombo

Bismack Biyombo is a Congolese professional basketball player and humanitarian whose journey from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the NBA highlights perseverance and purpose in international basketball. Discovered at age 16 by Portuguese coach Mário Palma at a youth tournament in Yemen, Biyombo earned an opportunity to train in Spain, where he developed his skills before entering the global basketball stage. At the Nike Hoops Summit, Biyombo played for the World Select Team and recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks, marking the first triple-double in the event's history.

Biyombo was selected with the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings and subsequently traded to the Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Charlotte Hornets. Throughout his NBA career, Biyombo has played for the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City Thunder. During his tenure with the Raptors, he scored a career-high 16 points and set a franchise record with 25 rebounds in an overtime win against the Indiana Pacers. He later signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Orlando Magic, establishing himself as a valued defensive presence in the league. Biyombo re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year contract, serving as a veteran leader on a young team that reached the NBA Finals.

Off the court, Biyombo is recognized for his humanitarian work. He founded the Bismack Biyombo Foundation, which provides education, healthcare, and resources to underserved communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The foundation launched the Kivu International School in the Kivu River Region and donated approximately $1 million in medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biyombo has contributed to building schools, basketball courts, and running training camps, creating opportunities for children in his home country.

Biyombo donated his entire $1.3 million NBA salary to construct a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in honor of his late father, Francois Biyombo. He has met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss the foundation's humanitarian efforts and has been recognized as a nominee for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente. Biyombo has served as a UNICEF Supporter and ambassador for Right To Play, visiting programs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and conducting basketball clinics for refugee children and young offenders.

Biyombo speaks five languages: English, French, Lingala, Spanish, and Swahili. After fainting during an NBA game due to dehydration, he revealed that he has fasted regularly for 13 seasons as a personal devotion to his Catholic faith. Biyombo's story, from a young athlete in the Congo to an NBA veteran and global humanitarian, exemplifies the impact of sports and philanthropy in transforming lives. The Bismack Biyombo Foundation operates on the belief that opportunities should be multiplied through the lives of others, a philosophy that guides Biyombo's work both on and off the basketball court.