After the passing of the legendary coach John Wooden, the World of Basketball has lost yet another icon when former NBA player Manute Bol, who is a native of Sudan, passed away on June 19 at the age of 47.

The 7-foot-7 Bol was the tallest player to have ever played in the National Basketball Association and played for ten seasons from 1985-1994 with the Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Miami Heat.

During his 10-year NBA Career, the Sudanese Giant averaged 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. He led the NBA in blocks when he averaged 5.0 blocks a game for Washington in the 1985-1986 and 4.3 blocks per game with the Golden State Warriors in the 1988-1989 Season.

Bol, who died at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville because of severe kidney trouble, was not an ordinary basketball player; he has also dedicated his life in humanitarian works in the cities he played on and in Africa.

He played three seasons with the Washington Wizards and the organization tagged him as a true humanitarian worker and ambassador of Basketball.

The current President and General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers Ed Stefanski lauded the impact of Manute Bol in their franchise and his works cannot be put into words.

“He … was continually giving of himself through his generosity and humanitarian efforts in order to make the world around him a much better place, for which he will always be remembered.” Stefanski said.

He also dedicated his life in doing charity works and was actually a board member of the Sudan Sunrise. He can also be remembered in protecting and defending his countrymen. He even accepted embarrassing such as appearing in celebrity boxing matches just to raise funds for his homeland.

“I don’t work for money. I work to save people. I can always make more money, but you can’t bring back those that are gone.” He once said in 2006.

“Sudan and the world have lost a hero and an example for all of us,” said Tom Pritchard, who is the Executive Director of Sudan Sunrise.

His former teammate Charles Barkley will always remember Bol as a good guy in and outside the court. He also said that everyone feels sorry for him when he was still playing because he’s very awkward with his size but he said that if everyone in the world was a Manute Bol, it’s a world he’d want to live in.

Despite a lot of accomplishments and accolades inside the court, Bol will always be remembered for his tireless works and efforts for his country and all the cities he played in.

“I hope they remember me as a good guy who played hard. I wasn’t Michael Jordan, but I was somebody called Manute Bol.” Manute Bol said.

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