Manute Bol

Who is Manute Bol?

Manute Bol was born in the village of Turalei, in what is now South Sudan, the son of a Dinka tribal elder; his exact birth year is unknown, and 16 October 1962 was the date recorded on his US immigration papers. Standing about 7 feet 7 inches tall, he was recruited from Sudan to play college basketball in the United States before being drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1985. Over a ten-year NBA career with the Bullets and several other teams, he became renowned as one of the game's greatest shot-blockers, finishing his career with more blocked shots than points scored, a distinction unmatched in NBA history. Off the court, Bol became known for dedicating much of his fortune and fame to humanitarian causes in his homeland, funding schools and hospitals, supporting refugees displaced by the Second Sudanese Civil War, and speaking out internationally against the conflict, including at personal financial and physical cost. He remained closely tied to Sudan throughout his life, frequently visiting refugee camps. He died on 19 June 2010 at the University of Virginia Medical Center from complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and kidney failure, and was buried in South Sudan following a memorial service at Washington National Cathedral.

Sources: NBA career and biographical records, Washington Bullets/Wizards franchise archives · NPR, "Manute Bol Left Sudan But Really Didn't" (2010) · Obituaries and profiles, The Week and Sports History Weekly (2010)