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.
Scroll down for photos from Bol's career and life.
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