Basketball player
Drafted by the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Clippers in the 5th round of the 1983 NBA Player Draft out of the University of Bridgeport. Re-drafted in the 2nd round of the 1985 Draft by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). He played for the Bullets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Warriors and the Miami Heat.
Son of a Dinka tribal chief. "Manute" means "special blessing."
First played basketball at age 18 and chipped his teeth on the rim when he first tried to dunk.
In 2001, he went to Sudan and was held against his will by the ruling Islamic government because of his support of the Dinka-led Christian rebels in that countrys long-running civil war; he has given most of his fortune to their cause. He escaped to Egypt, and managed to return to the United States in 2002.
Charged with hitting his daughter, cutting her lip and interfering with a police officer. (13 February 2004)
Second tallest man ever to play in the NBA, standing a few millimeters shorter than Romanian player Gheorghe Dumitru Muresan.
Attended Cleveland State University despite not having a strong command of written English.
Played one year of college basketball at the University of Bridgeport.
Blocked 397 shots as a rookie in the 1985-1986 season, which is the second highest single-season total in NBA history. Only rookie ever to lead the NBA in blocked shots for a season. Had two games that season where he blocked 15 shots.
Only player in NBA history with more lifetime blocked shots (2,086) than points scored (1,599).
He is survived by his second wife, Ajok of Olathe, Kansas and ten children including four with his second wife. He is also survived by a nephew, Mayom Majok.
From 1985 to 1993, he was the tallest player in the National Basketball Association.
(June 30) Seriously injured with two cracked vertebrae in his neck, head and internal injuries, and facial lacerations when the cab in which he was riding hit a guardrail and swerved across both lanes before hitting a rock ledge and rolling over, killing the driver and throwing him from the car.
(September 2004) Is now slowly recovering from injury.
(December 2005) Has now recovered fully from a painful car accident.
Inducted into the University of Bridgeport [Connecticut] Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
[on his height] My mother was 6 feet 10, my father 6 feet 8, and my,sister is 6 feet 8. And my great-grandfather was even taller -- 7 feet,10.
[In a 2001 interview] I would have a big farm. Then we have no worries,about money. If you have the cows, you have the money.
I love my family. .
