Manute Bol, the former pro basketball center who spent ten years in the NBA, died Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia, according to the Washington Post. He was 47.
Bol was born in Sudan in 1962. In 1985, he was drafted by the Washington Bullets. At seven feet, six inches tall (some sources claim he was 7'7"), Bol was one of the tallest men to ever play in the NBA.
In addition to the Bullets, Bol played for the Warriors, 76ers and Heat during his NBA career. He was known for his height and prolific shot-blocking ability. Since retiring from professional basketball, Bol was involved with numerous charitable causes in Sudan.
Bol became gravely ill in May after contracting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin disease, while in Sudan. He was in his home country to combat corruption.
Though several news outlets had reported on Manute Bol's acute kidney disease in the past months, it still came as a shock to much of the world when the 7 foot 6 former NBA player died in Virginia at the age of 47.
Bol's height gave him a domineering presence on the court as well as premier shot-blocking ability (for comparison, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is also listed at 7 foot 6).
However, few who didn't keep up with Bol's activities after his NBA career are aware of his consistent efforts to improve conditions for those in his homeland of Sudan. In fact, Bol spent nearly his entire fortune, and went bankrupt, donating money to organizations that were working in Darfur.
Bol had never heard of America or the game of basketball until he was 18. Overwhelmed by an amount of wealth unheard of where he came from, Bol dedicated his life to charitable endeavors in Sudan.
With Alliance for the Lost Boys, Bol worked to bring medical assistance and education to Sudan. Just last year, Bol was busy raising money to build a school when he contracted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a skin disease that would ultimately take his life.
Bol also became politically active, campaigning for Sudanese politicians that he believed would help promote piece.
Bol was born in Sudan in 1962. In 1985, he was drafted by the Washington Bullets. At seven feet, six inches tall (some sources claim he was 7'7"), Bol was one of the tallest men to ever play in the NBA.
In addition to the Bullets, Bol played for the Warriors, 76ers and Heat during his NBA career. He was known for his height and prolific shot-blocking ability. Since retiring from professional basketball, Bol was involved with numerous charitable causes in Sudan.
Bol became gravely ill in May after contracting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin disease, while in Sudan. He was in his home country to combat corruption.
Though several news outlets had reported on Manute Bol's acute kidney disease in the past months, it still came as a shock to much of the world when the 7 foot 6 former NBA player died in Virginia at the age of 47.
Bol's height gave him a domineering presence on the court as well as premier shot-blocking ability (for comparison, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is also listed at 7 foot 6).
However, few who didn't keep up with Bol's activities after his NBA career are aware of his consistent efforts to improve conditions for those in his homeland of Sudan. In fact, Bol spent nearly his entire fortune, and went bankrupt, donating money to organizations that were working in Darfur.
Bol had never heard of America or the game of basketball until he was 18. Overwhelmed by an amount of wealth unheard of where he came from, Bol dedicated his life to charitable endeavors in Sudan.
With Alliance for the Lost Boys, Bol worked to bring medical assistance and education to Sudan. Just last year, Bol was busy raising money to build a school when he contracted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a skin disease that would ultimately take his life.
Bol also became politically active, campaigning for Sudanese politicians that he believed would help promote piece.
