Former NBA Star Manute Bol Dies

San Francisco, June 19, (THEWILL) - Manute Bol, 47, the Sudanese top shot blocker for 10 seasons in the NBA died on Saturday at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

Media reports said Bol has been battling both acute Kidney and skin conditions.

Bol, a 7 ft. 7 centre was one of the tallest players ever to play in the NBA. His former teams before he retired in 1995 include Washington Bullets where he played for three seasons, Golden State, Philadelphia and Miami. His average blocks of 3.3 per match earned him the NBA’s no. 2 spot on all time blocks per game.

A statement from Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager, Ed Stefanski said, "He was a person who was continually giving of himself through his generosity and humanitarian efforts in order to make the world around him a much better place."

Former teammate Charles Barkley said Bol was a very funny person who dedicated his time and money to humanitarian work in his native country Sudan.