What was Manute Bol's Net Worth and Salary?
Manute Bol was a professional basketball player and humanitarian who had a net worth of $7 million at the time of his death. He played in the NBA for 10 seasons, representing teams such as the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. At 7'7", Manute Bol shares the record for the tallest player in NBA history with Gheorghe Mureșan. He concluded his playing career with the Italian team Fulgor Libertas Forlì in the 1996-97 season. Bol passed away prematurely at the age of 47 in Charlottesville, VA, due to kidney failure and complications from Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Contracts, Salary & Career Earnings
Manute Bol's NBA career spanned from 1985 to 1995. During this period, he signed contracts with four teams. His highest-paying contract was with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1992 for $1.6 million.
Here is a breakdown of his contracts and salaries:
- Washington Bullets (1985-1988): Two-year contract for $500,000 per year.
- Golden State Warriors (1988-1990): Two-year contract for $400,000 per year.
- Philadelphia 76ers (1990-1993): Three-year contract for $1.3 million per year.
- Miami Heat (1993-1995): Two-year contract for $650,000 per year.
Manute Bol Height
Manute Bol stood at an impressive 7'7". In 1987, one of his teammates was the shortest player in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues, standing at 5'3". Here is a photo of Manute and Muggsy in 1987:
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Early Life and Education
Manute Bol was born in Turalei, Sudan, though his exact birthdate is uncertain, reportedly October 16, 1962. Coming from a Dinka family of exceptionally tall individuals, his mother stood 6'10" and his father and sister were 6'8". Initially, he played soccer but transitioned to basketball due to his height. After being noticed by basketball coach Don Feeley in Sudan, Bol moved to the United States. He attended Case Western Reserve University for ESL classes and later enrolled at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, playing for the Purple Knights during the 1984-85 season and leading them to the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament.
NBA Career
Washington Bullets (1985-1988)
In the 1985 NBA Draft, Bol was picked by the Washington Bullets. He played 80 games in his rookie season, setting the NBA rookie record for single-season blocks with 397. He played two more seasons with the Bullets and teamed up with Muggsy Bogues in 1987.
Golden State Warriors (1988-1990)
Bol was traded to the Golden State Warriors in 1988, where he played until 1990. During his first season with the Warriors, he attempted a career-high 91 three-pointers, making 20.
Philadelphia 76ers (1990-1993)
Bol joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 1990. He played a career-high 82 games in his first season, but his playing time decreased over the next two seasons.
Miami Heat (1993-1994)
After being released by the 76ers in 1993, Bol played eight games with the Miami Heat in the 1993-94 season. The Heat did not use Bol as a starter, a first in his NBA career.
Return to the Bullets (1993)
Bol returned to the Washington Bullets for the 1993-94 season, playing only two games.
Return to the 76ers (1994)
After his brief stint with the Bullets, Bol rejoined the Philadelphia 76ers. During his second tenure, he played four games, adding six points, six rebounds, and nine blocks. He mentored teammate Shawn Bradley, who stands at 7'6".
Final NBA Season (1994-1995)
Bol concluded his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors in the 1994-95 season, playing five games before suffering a knee injury.
Final Years of Playing
Post-NBA, Bol played 22 games for the Continental Basketball Association's Florida Beach Dogs in the 1995-96 season. He then played for the Italian team Fulgor Libertas Forlì in the 1996-97 season.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Humanitarianism
Beyond basketball, Bol was a dedicated humanitarian, using much of his NBA earnings to support causes in Sudan. He founded the Ring True Foundation and was involved in efforts like the Sudan Freedom Walk in 2006 to raise awareness of the Darfur genocide and other human-rights violations in Sudan. Bol also focused on reconciliation and improving education in South Sudan.
Personal Life and Death
Bol had six children with his first wife, Atong, and four with his second wife, Ajok. Two of his sons pursued careers in basketball, including Bol Bol, who plays in the NBA. In 2004, Bol was seriously injured in a car accident and faced financial hardships due to his extensive charitable donations. He died in June 2010 in Charlottesville, VA, from acute kidney failure and complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
