The Tallest NBA Player Ever

Manute Bol was born in Sudan in 1962, and picked up basketball in 1978. At 7′ 7″ he had a natural advantage, and he was drafted into the NBA to play for the Washington Bullets in 1985. Throughout his career he also played for the Golden State Warriors, the 76ers, and Miami Heat. He excelled in shot blocking because of his height, and is tied for the NBA record for the most blocked shots in one half (eleven) and in one quarter (eight, twice). He also holds the all time NBA record for most blocked shots per minute in a game (.176). In addition to playing basketball he was a strong activist for improving the conditions in his home country of Sudan, and donated most of his NBA earnings to various foundations. He died on June 19th, 2010 of acute kidney failure and complications from Stevens-Johnson syndrome, an unfortunate loss of such a passionate activist and basketball player.