Former NBA Basketball Player & Humanitarian Manute Bol Dies at the Age of 47

A hero and a role model …

What a tragic loss to a sports athlete who totally understood how his fame could help others and was a true role model, not to children who admired basketball, but to a nation …

In Memoriam – Manute Bol
October 16, 1963 – June 19, 2010
Rest in Peace

Manute Bol at was a 7 foot 7 inch was the tallest player ever to play in the NBA. His shock blocking ability made him a menace on the court; however, for the Dinka tribesman it was his humanitarian work off the hard wood that he will forever be remembered for. Sadly, Manute Bol died today at the age of 47 from kidney failure and a a skin disease, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Bol spent 10 years in the NBA and dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts to help his homeland Sudan. Bol was a towering figure on the court, but nothing compared to the towering presence he was to the Sudanese people.

Manute Bol is survived by 10 children, including four with his second wife, Ajok, of Olathe, KS.  May he rest in peace and God bless this man who got it and made a difference to so many in such a short period of time.

Manute Bol more than a basketball hero, a real hero who made a difference and was a role model

“Sudan and the world have lost a hero and an example for all of us,” Prichard said. “Manute, we’ll miss you. Our prayers and best wishes go out to all his family, and all who mourn his loss.”

Bol played in the NBA with Washington, Golden State, Philadelphia and Miami, averaging 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for his career. He led the league in blocks in 1985-86 with Washington (5.0 per game) and in 1988-89 with Golden State (4.3 a game).

Check out Manute Bol as he has his own block party. I remember watching this highlight
back in the day and simply just being amazed

Manute Bol founded Sudan Sunrise, a group based in Lenexa, KS, that promotes reconciliation in Sudan. Manute Bol, dead at the young age of 47 and a hero to so many. Unlike so many in sports, Manute Bol was a true hero and role model.

In a 2001 interview with The Times in Khartoum, Bol said he dreamed of going back to Turalei and his roots. “I would have a big, big farm,” he said. “Then we have no worries about money. If you have the cows, you have the money.”

Bol returned to Sudan regularly during his playing days and once he retired, he became more politically active there. He went there late last year to check on the school construction, then stayed on to campaign for a candidate in the region’s presidential election that was held in late April, said Mr. Prichard, who had traveled there with Bol in November. During his extended visit, Bol became ill and was briefly hospitalized in Nairobi, Mr. Prichard said.

“He really felt that his country needed him,” Mr. Prichard said. “He really died for his country. He wanted to do everything he could to see southern Sudan make it through this election in the best possible way.”