Oscar Schmidt, who was inducted into the FIBA Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, died on Friday at age 68, per Mauricio Savarese of The Associated Press.
Schmidt’s family released a statement that said the 6’8″ forward battled a brain tumor for 15 years “with courage, dignity and resilience … while remaining a role model of determination, generosity and love of life.”
“Oscar leaves a legacy that transcends sport and inspires generations of athletes and admirers in Brazil and worldwide.”
Schmidt was selected by the Nets in the sixth round of the 1984 draft, but he never played in the NBA, deciding instead to continue representing the Brazilian national team in international competitions. As Savarese notes, at the time players had to choose between playing in the NBA or for their countries.
“The biggest player of Brazilian basketball history bids farewell as an absolute symbol of sport, the holder of a trajectory that redefined the boundaries of what was possible in a court,” the Brazil Basketball Confederation said in a statement. “His death closes an era. But his greatness remains.”
Schmidt, who retired in 2003 at 45, is one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history. Known as “Mão Santa” (Holy Hand), Schmidt led Brazil to a major upset over the United States in the final of the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, scoring 46 points in the victory. He is the all-time leading scorer in Olympic and World Cup competitions and holds the single-game scoring records in both tournaments, according to Savarese.
We at Hoops Rumors send our condolences to Schmidt’s family and friends.
Kobe once said Oscar Schmidt was his basketball hero and one of the best players globally of all time. That’s good enough endorsement for me. RIP to an OG!!!
Kobe’s waiting for that 1 on 1 game now.
Was one of earliest 3pt shooters around. Great scorer. Didn’t know he was 6’8”. Always thought of him as a guard. He shot over 44% three point. He had a closer three in Europe. Great Brazilian player. Brain tumor sucks man.
RIP “Mão Santa” 👏🙏