Bol Bol is one of the most intriguing prospects in the NBA, with his rare combination of height, skill and athleticism. But he is also known for being the son of Manute Bol, one of the tallest and most unique players in NBA history. Many fans wonder about the relationship between Bol Bol and Manute Bol, and how they compare as basketball players. Here is everything you need to know about the father-son duo.
Who is Manute Bol?
Manute Bol was born on October 16, 1962, in Turalei, Sudan (now South Sudan), to a family of exceptionally tall people. His mother was 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), his father was 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m), and his great-grandfather was 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m). He was named after his late great-grandfather and Dinka chief Bol Chol Bol.
Manute Bol started playing basketball at age 15, after being discovered by a coach from the United States. He moved to the US in 1982, and played college basketball for the University of Bridgeport for one season. He was drafted by the Washington Bullets in the second round of the 1985 NBA draft, becoming one of the first African players to enter the league.
Manute Bol was listed at 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m), making him tied with Gheorghe Mureșan as the tallest player in NBA history. He was also one of the best shot-blockers ever, leading the league in blocks per game twice and ranking second all-time in blocks per game (3.3) and 16th in total blocks (2,086). He is the only player to have more career blocks than points (1,599).
Manute Bol played for four teams in his 10-year NBA career: the Washington Bullets, the Golden State Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat. He was known for his defensive presence, his humanitarian work for his native Sudan, and his occasional three-point shooting. He retired from basketball in 1997.
Manute Bol died on June 19, 2010, at age 47, due to complications from a rare skin disease and kidney failure. He was survived by his second wife Ajok Deng and their four children, as well as his six children from his first marriage to Atong Bol.
Who is Bol Bol?
Bol Bol was born on November 16, 1999, in Khartoum, Sudan, as the second child of Manute Bol and Ajok Deng. He moved to the US with his family when he was two years old, settling in Connecticut. He began playing basketball at age four, following his father’s footsteps.
Bol Bol attended several high schools in Kansas, California and Nevada, where he emerged as one of the top prospects in the class of 2018. He was a consensus five-star recruit, a McDonald’s All-American and a Jordan Brand Classic participant. He committed to play college basketball for the University of Oregon.
Bol Bol played only nine games for Oregon in his freshman season, before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He averaged 21 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, while shooting 56% from the field and 52% from three-point range. He declared for the 2019 NBA draft after his injury.
Bol Bol was drafted by the Miami Heat with the 44th pick in the second round of the draft, but was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft night. He signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets, meaning he could split time between the NBA and the G League.
Bol Bol made his NBA debut on August 1, 2020, scoring five points and grabbing four rebounds in a win over the Miami Heat. He played sparingly for the Nuggets in his rookie season, appearing in only seven games and averaging 5.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Bol Bol is listed at 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m), making him one of the tallest players in the NBA. He is also one of the most versatile players, with his ability to handle the ball, shoot from long range and protect the rim. He has drawn comparisons to Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Durant.
Are Bol Bol and Manute Bol Related?
Yes, Bol Bol is related to Manute Bol. Manute Bol is the father of Bol Bol. They share not only their height and their name, but also their passion for basketball and their love for their homeland.
Bol Bol grew up idolizing his father, who taught him the fundamentals of the game and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. He also learned from his father’s legacy of humanitarianism, as he has supported various causes for Sudan and South Sudan, such as education, health and peace.
Bol Bol has also inherited some of his father’s challenges, such as dealing with injuries, adapting to a new culture and facing high expectations. He has overcome many obstacles in his young career, and has shown resilience and determination to succeed.
Bol Bol and Manute Bol are both remarkable athletes and inspiring individuals, who have made their mark on the basketball world and beyond. They are a father-son duo that will always be remembered and admired..
