When opportunity knocks in the NBA, you either seize it or watch it pass by. For Bismack Biyombo, that moment came in February 2025 when the San Antonio Spurs signed him on a 10-day contract as a free agent. Less than two weeks later, reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the rest of the season with a blood clot in his shoulder, timing that turned Biyombo’s short stint into a lifeline for both himself and the team.

Biyombo made the most of it. The 32-year-old veteran responded with energy and resilience, earning an extended deal worth $3.6 million and proving he could still deliver at the highest level. Back-to-back double-doubles against the New Orleans Pelicans showcased his reliability as a defensive anchor and rebounder. He may not replace Wembanyama’s star power, but his comeback reminded the league and the Spurs that experience and determination still matter in keeping a team afloat.

That resurgence has now been rewarded. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, free agent center Bismack Biyombo has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, securing his 15th NBA season. The Spurs chose to keep Biyombo for another season, due to his steady contributions, 5.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season. This decision reflected exactly what San Antonio needed: reliability in the frontcourt and a mature presence in a young locker room. Now, beyond his on-court resurgence, we take a closer look at Bismack Biyombo’s background, his ethnicity, and the journey that shaped his career.

Where is Bismack Biyombo from? What’s his nationality?

Bismack Biyombo was born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and proudly represents the DRC on the global stage. Though he now resides in the United States during the NBA season, his roots remain firmly tied to his homeland. Every summer, he returns to Congo, underscoring his enduring connection to the country where his journey began.

He holds Congolese nationality and is proud of his background, frequently highlighting his connection to Lubumbashi. Beyond basketball, Biyombo has invested heavily in projects back home, including building schools, funding scholarships, and even constructing a basketball stadium. His continued bond with his birthplace reflects both his identity as a Congolese athlete and his commitment to uplifting the next generation from his hometown.

What is Bismack Biyombo’s Ethnicity?

Bismack Biyombo is ethnically Congolese, born into a close-knit family in Lubumbashi, a copper mining hub in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His father, François Biyombo, worked as an engineer in the mining industry, while his mother held a part-time position with the government. Though the family endured financial struggles, at times eating only once a day or making do with a single pair of school shoes, they instilled in Bismack resilience, faith, and a sense of responsibility that became the foundation of his identity.

At the heart of his journey was his father, François, who played multiple roles in Bismack’s life: mentor, friend, business partner, and constant source of encouragement. “My dad was everything to me,” Biyombo recalled, describing the nightly ritual of receiving supportive text messages from his father before games, even when it was 3 or 4 a.m. in Congo. François not only motivated his son emotionally but also made personal sacrifices, spending his own money to fund Bismack’s dream of becoming a professional basketball player. “This is how much I love my dad,” Bismack said. “He spent his own money out of his pocket for me to chase my dreams. Look where I’m at now.”

François’s influence went far beyond sports. He provided what Bismack calls a “blueprint into life,” teaching his children the importance of humility, generosity, and treating people equally, regardless of wealth or status. His passing in 2021, after health complications following COVID-19, left a profound void. Yet Bismack remains anchored by his father’s lessons, carrying his values into his NBA career and philanthropy. As he reflected, “He set an amazing example that I would forever be grateful [for]. People say, ‘Oh, you’re a good person. You never change.’ It’s because of the parents I have, the mom and dad.”

What is Bismack Biyombo’s Religion?

Bismack Biyombo is a devout Catholic, and his faith plays a central role in both his personal life and basketball career. He has practiced fasting since he was a child, sometimes going without food or water for extended periods as part of his spiritual discipline. In March 2024, his commitment to this practice became public when he fainted during an Oklahoma City Thunder game in Portland. Later, he revealed that the collapse was linked to fasting, which he had quietly observed for more than 15 years without sharing it with teammates, coaches, or even close friends.

For Biyombo, fasting and prayer are deeply personal acts that strengthen his connection with God. “I never want to talk about it because I think it’s a personal relationship with God,” he told The Oklahoman. “You shouldn’t be fasting and telling people so they feel sorry for you.” His faith provides him with a sense of grounding, resilience, and renewal, something he believes helps him reset when life feels out of balance. In his own words, fasting allows him to “go back to the beginning and go back to that deeper connection,” leaving him with clarity and a stronger sense of purpose.

Now in his 15th NBA season, Bismack Biyombo is making the most of a new opportunity with the San Antonio Spurs, proving his resilience and veteran value.