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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Basketball

Manute Bol

Manute Bol was a Sudanese-born basketball player who played in the NBA from 1985 to 1995.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Manute Bol was a Sudanese-born NBA center known for his extraordinary height and shot-blocking ability. He later became recognized for his humanitarian work related to Sudan.

What it is

Manute Bol (1962–2010) was a professional basketball player who stood 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m) tall. He played in the NBA from 1985 to 1995 for the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Bol is widely regarded as one of the greatest shot-blockers in basketball history.

Key details

Bol played college basketball at Bridgeport before being drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1985. He retired as the only NBA player with more career blocked shots than points scored. Beyond basketball, he supported humanitarian and peace efforts in Sudan, his home country.

Why it matters

Bol's legacy extends beyond his on-court records. His combination of extreme height, defensive skill, and off-court activism made him a unique figure in sports. He remains a symbol of how athletes can use their platform for broader social impact.

In short

  • Manute Bol was a 7 ft 7 in NBA center known for shot-blocking.
  • He played for four NBA teams from 1985 to 1995.
  • He had more career blocked shots than points scored.
  • He was also a humanitarian advocate for Sudan.

Quick questions

How tall was Manute Bol?
He was listed at 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m), making him one of the tallest players in NBA history.
Which NBA teams did he play for?
He played for the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.
What was Manute Bol known for off the court?
He was known for humanitarian work related to Sudan, including peace and aid efforts.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manute_Bol
    Supports: NBA career dates, teams, shot-blocking reputation, and blocked shots vs. points.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/3642/manute-bol
    Supports: Position, college, and basic biographical details.
  3. The Independent — https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/manute-bol-basketball-player-who-used-his-fame-to-help-peace-efforts-in-his-native-sudan-2017282.html
    Supports: Death date, Sudan background, and humanitarian/peace efforts.
  4. Los Angeles Times — https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-25-adna-manute25-story.html
    Supports: Birthplace in southern Sudan and stature as one of the tallest NBA players.
  5. Infoplease — https://www.infoplease.com/biographies/sports/manute-bol
    Supports: Career summary, teams, blocked shots vs. points, and death details.