Manute Bol

Manute Bol is a Sudanese/American basketball player and activist. Bol is 7'7" (2.31 m) tall. Until the debut of the Gheorghe Muresan (who was a few millimeters taller), Manute was the tallest player ever to appear in the National Basketball Association. He blocked 397 shots during the 1985-1986 season, a rookie record. At 15, the Dinka herdsman killed a marauding lion with his spear while it lay sleeping --a feat his agent noted during his contract negotiations.

Basketball Career

Bol moved to the United States at age 18 after being recruited by representatives of Fairleigh Dickinson University. He chipped a tooth by getting it caught on the net when he tried to slam dunk for the first time. He later attended Cleveland State University despite not having a strong command of written English. Bol played one year of college basketball at the University of Bridgeport.

Related Topics:
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Cleveland State University - English - University of Bridgeport

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He was drafted by the San Diego Clippers in the 5th round of the 1983 NBA Draft, then in the 2nd round of 1985 draft by the Washington Bullets. In 1987, the Bullets also drafted the five-foot-three Muggsy Bogues, and the sight of the two players together became a sought-after shot for sports photographers. Due to his height and extremely long limbs, Bol was one of the league's most imposing defensive presences, blocking shots at a nearly unprecedented rate. However, his other basketball skills were very limited, and his rail-thin physique made it difficult for him to establish position against the league's physical centers and power forwards. The sight of the tall, gangly Bol spotting up for a three-pointer during blow-outs became a fan favorite. Off the court, Manute established a reputation as a practical joker; Charles Barkley, a frequent victim of his pranks, testified to Bol's sense of humor. He also developed a close friendship with teammate Chris Mullin.

Related Topics:
San Diego Clippers - NBA Draft - Washington Bullets - Muggsy Bogues - Charles Barkley - Chris Mullin

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Over the course of his career, Bol averaged 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. He played in the NBA for nine years, from 1986 to 1995, spending 3 seasons with the Bullets, 2 with the Golden State Warriors, 3 with the Philadelphia 76ers and 1 with the Miami Heat. After the end of his NBA career, he played professionally in Italy and Qatar before rheumatism forced him to retire permanently.

Related Topics:
Golden State Warriors - Philadelphia 76ers - Miami Heat

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