Deke to receive a honorary degree in Haverford

The folks over at Haverford College are in for a big treat next month … special emphasis on the word ‘big.’

The school announced Friday its speaker for the May 15 commencement is none other than the 7-foot-2 Dikembe Mutombo. He is in line to receive an honorary degree from Haverford, which plans on graduating more than 300 students from the Class of 2011.

Before anyone goes off on a tangent about former professional athletes being asked to speak at graduation ceremonies, heed this warning: Mutombo might possibly be the best choice for such an occasion.

Here’s why:

The term ‘humanitarian’ does not do justice for Mutombo, who is an 18-year NBA veteran. He’s spent the majority of his post-playing days putting money toward improving the living conditions in his native Congo. Construction on a hospital in the capital city of Kinshasa, which Mutombo helped fund, was completed recently.

Despite what his finger-wagging tactics following a blocked shot would indicate, Mutombo is one of the good guys. He and his wife, Rose, have a family of six children, four of them adopted.

And in addition to all of that, Mutombo might give one heck of a commencement speech, assuming you can pick out the words from his recognizable baritone voice.

A 1991 Georgetown graduate, Mutombo holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and diplomacy. He speaks more languages (nine) than NBA teams for whom he played (six). That should guarantee a story or two from the big fella.

Sure, the former 76ers center nearly carried them to the 2001 NBA championship. But his reach goes far beyond the scope of a career in professional sports. Mutombo’s global appeal is tangible.

Kudos to the crew at Haverford College for scheduling Mutombo as the guest speaker … assuming he doesn’t clip his forehead on a low-hanging chandelier or get stuck in one of the school’s doorways.

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