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(Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
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via Getty
(Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
The NBA has been graced with the presence of some formidable big guys throughout its history. Shaquille O?Neal is the one who still stands tall amongst the category of athletes, given his combination of being 7 feet tall and having a strong physical presence. However, there is one Sudanese player who was taller than Shaq. Yet, he didn?t have a vibrant physique built around it.
Having a strong physical attribute helps one dominate their opponents in a game and can do wonders for your chances in a matchup. Let?s find out more about this mammoth of a man who served in the NBA for two legendary years.
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The giant is brought back to Twitter
In a thread of tweets by a user named Frank Michael Smith, Manute Bol (father of Bol Bol) was featured. The tweet was mostly about the lesser-known facts about the former Golden State Warriors man. Fans admired his incredible wingspan and shot-blocking abilities, as he became a beloved figure in the league despite not being an offensive powerhouse.
This NBA Legend was encouraged by his team to “drink as much beer as possible”, and may have been 15 years older than his listed age…
Here’s The Story: pic.twitter.com/VIaanfipDo
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) July 28, 2023
The Tweet discussed the unusual pre-game routine Bol had. The revelation was made by a former teammate, Jayson Williams as he claimed to have never seen him sober before a game. According to accounts from former teammates and insiders, Bol had a habit of drinking beers before every game.
“He would just walk around the locker room naked drinking Heinekens,”?confessed Williams.
While most athletes adhere to strict pre-game routines that involve focused preparation and mental conditioning, Bol followed an unconventional ritual that puzzled many. But it was actually a strategy suggested by his team.
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US PRESSWIRE Sports-Historical Dec 23, 1988 Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO Golden State Warriors center Manute Bol 10 against the Portland Trail Blazers at Memorial Coliseum. Portland Oregon UNITED STATES, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xUSAxTODAYxSportsx 5329974
This method was recommended to him during his time at the Philadelphia 76ers so that Bol could keep up in the physical aspect of the game as well.
This revelation surprised many fans and basketball enthusiasts as alcohol consumption before physical exertion is typically discouraged due to its dehydrating effects and potential negative impact on performance.
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via Imago
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER .WITH CHRISTOPHER REEVE, MANUTE BOL,.SARGENT .AND EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER, AS WELL AS .FRANK GIFFORD.PHOTO:JOHN BARRETT / GLOBE PHOTOS INC ? PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY – ZUMAg49_ 20090810_zaf_g49_019
Arnold Schwarzenegger With Christopher Reeve Bol Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver As Well As Frank Gifford Photo John Barrett Globe Photos INC ? PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY 20090810_zaf_g49_019
Another aspect of Manute Bol?s life that continues to intrigue people is the uncertainty surrounding his actual age.
The mysterious age of Manute Bol
Official records state that Bol was born in 1962, which would make him approximately 33 years old when he made his NBA debut in 1985. However, various reports and claims suggest that Bol might have been older than the documented age.
The thread of tweets also discussed a story around Bol confessing to a teammate of carving a scar on his body once every 5 years to remember his age. That’s when his former teammate took a pause and began counting. To his horror, he counted 11 lines!
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Regardless of the uncertainty, Bol?s age did not deter him from making a significant impact on the NBA and becoming a legendary shot-blocker.
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