Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Manute Bol

How Manute Bol built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Manute Bol, a Sudanese-American, was a towering figure in NBA history, standing at 7 ft 6 in or 7 ft 7 in. His exceptional height made him one of the league's tallest players. Beyond basketball, Bol was also a political activist, using his platform to advocate for his native Sudan.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1979: First Invitation to Play Basketball

In 1979, after a widely circulated photo of Bol appeared in a Khartoum newspaper, the police chief in Wau invited him to play for the police basketball team.

1982: Invitation to the United States

In 1982, Don Feeley, the basketball coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University, convinced Bol to come to the United States to play basketball after coaching and holding clinics for the Sudanese national team.

June 1983: Lynam Visits Bol

In June 1983, Jim Lynam traveled to Cleveland to watch Bol play pickup games, and learned about Bol's concerns regarding language barriers and passport discrepancies.

1983: Drafted by the San Diego Clippers

In 1983, the San Diego Clippers drafted Bol as the 97th overall pick in the NBA draft due to Don Feeley's influence.

1984: Enrollment at the University of Bridgeport

In 1984, Manute Bol enrolled at the University of Bridgeport, an NCAA Division II school, to improve his English and play basketball, after his eligibility for NCAA Division I was questioned.

1984: Mark Eaton's Blocks

In the 1984-85 season, Mark Eaton recorded 456 blocks, surpassing Manute Bol's rookie season record.

May 1985: Professional Signing

In May 1985, Manute Bol turned professional and signed with the Rhode Island Gulls of the United States Basketball League to earn money and help his sister leave Sudan.

1985: Shot-Blocking Record

During the 1985-86 season, Manute Bol set the rookie shot-blocking record, showcasing his imposing defensive presence in the NBA.

1985: First Season with Bullets

In 1985, Manute Bol began his first tenure with the Washington Bullets, which lasted three seasons.

1985: NBA Debut

In 1985, Manute Bol was drafted by the Washington Bullets in the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional basketball career.

1985: Success at Bridgeport

In the 1984-1985 season, Manute Bol played for the Bridgeport Purple Knights, averaging 22.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 7.1 blocks per game. The team qualified for the 1985 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament.

1986: Rookie Season Achievements

During the 1985-1986 season, in his first career start on December 12, Manute Bol set a Washington franchise record with 12 blocks and scored a career high 18 points in a 110–108 overtime victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. His 397 blocks set an NBA rookie record.

1986: NBA Playoffs with Bullets

In 1986, Manute Bol competed in the NBA playoffs with the Washington Bullets.

1987: NBA Playoffs with Bullets

In 1987, Manute Bol competed in the NBA playoffs with the Washington Bullets.

1987: Pairing with Muggsy Bogues

In 1987, the Bullets drafted Muggsy Bogues, pairing the tallest (Bol) and shortest players in the league on the court for one season.

June 8, 1988: Trade to Golden State Warriors

On June 8, 1988, the Bullets traded Manute Bol to the Golden State Warriors for Dave Feitl and a 1989 second round draft pick.

1988: First Season with Warriors

In 1988, Manute Bol began his first tenure with the Golden State Warriors.

1988: NBA Playoffs with Bullets

In 1988, Manute Bol competed in the NBA playoffs with the Washington Bullets.

1988: End of First Bullets Tenure

In 1988, Manute Bol's first tenure with the Washington Bullets came to an end after three seasons.

1989: Draft Pick Traded

In 1989, Doug Roth was selected with the second round draft pick that the Bullets received in the trade that sent Manute Bol to the Golden State Warriors on June 8, 1988.

August 1, 1990: Trade to Philadelphia 76ers

On August 1, 1990, the Golden State Warriors traded Manute Bol to the Philadelphia 76ers for a 1991 first round draft pick.

1990: First Season with 76ers

In 1990, Manute Bol began his first tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers.

1990: End of First Warriors Tenure

In 1990, Manute Bol's first tenure with the Golden State Warriors ended.

1991: Draft Pick Traded

In 1991, Chris Gatling was selected with the first round draft pick that the Golden State Warriors received in the trade that sent Manute Bol to the Philadelphia 76ers on August 1, 1990.

January 31, 1992: Blocks against Orlando Magic

On January 31, 1992, Manute Bol blocked four consecutive shots in a single possession during a game against the Orlando Magic.

July 1993: Release by Philadelphia

In July 1993, Manute Bol was released by the Philadelphia 76ers.

1993: End of First 76ers Tenure

In 1993, Manute Bol's first tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers ended.

January 25, 1994: Release by Miami Heat

On January 25, 1994, Manute Bol was released by the Miami Heat.

October 1994: Return to the Warriors

In October 1994, Manute Bol returned to the Golden State Warriors.

November 15, 1994: Three 3-Pointers in a Game

On November 15, 1994, Manute Bol came off the bench to play 29 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves and made three three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

November 22, 1994: Season-Ending Injury

On November 22, 1994, Manute Bol suffered a season-ending knee injury during a nationally televised game against the Charlotte Hornets.

February 15, 1995: Waived by Golden State

On February 15, 1995, Manute Bol was waived by the Golden State Warriors following a season-ending injury.

1995: Continental Basketball Association

In 1995, Manute Bol played 22 games for the Florida Beach Dogs of the Continental Basketball Association.

1995: NBA Retirement

In 1995, Manute Bol retired from the NBA after a career spanning from 1985. He is notable for having more career blocked shots than points scored.

1996: Portland Mountain Cats

In 1996, Manute Bol was announced to be playing with the Portland Mountain Cats of the United States Basketball League, but he never appeared in uniform.

1997: Professional Career in Italy

In 1997, Manute Bol played professionally in Italy.

1998: Professional Career in Qatar

In 1998, Manute Bol played professionally in Qatar before rheumatism forced his permanent retirement.

November 16, 1999: Birth of son Bol Bol

On November 16, 1999, Manute Bol's son, Bol Bol, was born. Bol Bol is an NBA basketball player.

2002: Celebrity Boxing Appearance

In 2002, Manute Bol appeared on Fox TV's Celebrity Boxing show, in exchange for broadcasting the Ring True Foundation's phone number. He scored a third-round victory over former football player William "The Refrigerator" Perry. Bol gave most of his earnings ($3.5 million) to Sudanese refugees.

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2002: Signs one-day contract with Indianapolis Ice

In late 2002, Manute Bol signed a one-day contract with the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League. Although he could not skate, the publicity generated by his single-game appearance helped raise money to assist children in Sudan.

2005: Works with Sudan Sunrise

In 2005, Manute Bol began working with Sudan Sunrise to raise awareness on issues of reconciliation. This included speaking at the United States Capitol and partnering with Sudan Sunrise to build schools across South Sudan.

April 2006: Participates in Sudan Freedom Walk

In April 2006, Manute Bol participated in the Sudan Freedom Walk, a three-week march from New York City to Washington, DC. The event was organized by Simon Deng to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and human-rights abuses throughout Sudan.