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Learn about Bol Bol, the Sudanese basketball star lighting up the NBA

Bol Bol biography NBA
Fri, Mar 22, 2024

Bol Bol, a towering basketball sensation standing at 7 feet 2 inches, isn’t just a player; he’s a real showstopper. With the legendary Manute Bol as his family, Bol Bol brings a storm of excitement to the court.

From his amazing days at the Oregon Ducks to the NBA stage, he’s a powerhouse, defying gravity with his incredible dunks and showcasing amazing skills. Bol Bol isn’t just a name in basketball; he’s an electrifying part of the game, changing things up with every dunk and three-point shot.

As one of the standout African basketball players in the NBA, Bol Bol is not only redefining the game but also proudly representing his roots. Here is all you need to know about the NBA star.

College career

  • Dynamic Debut: Bol Bol kicked off his freshman season with the Oregon Ducks on November 6, 2018, delivering a remarkable double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in just 23 minutes against Portland State.
  • Season Highlights: Bol continued to shine throughout the season, notably achieving a season-high performance with 32 points and 11 rebounds in a closely contested 89–84 loss to Texas Southern.
  • Versatility on Display: Demonstrating versatility on the court, Bol showcased his skills with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a decisive 66–54 victory over San Diego on December 12.
  • Injury Setback: Bol’s promising season took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a left foot injury following his standout performance against San Diego. This injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
  • NBA Draft Projections: Despite the setback, Bol Bol’s standout performances had already projected him as the third pick in the 2019 NBA draft, placing him in the company of top prospects like Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett.
  • Declaration for the NBA Draft: Undeterred by the injury, Bol Bol declared for the NBA draft after completing his freshman season, setting the stage for the next chapter in his basketball journey.
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Bol Bol's father encouraged him to embrace basketball
Bol Bol’s father encouraged him to embrace basketball

Proffessional career

Denver Nuggets (2019–2022)

  • Draft Day Slide: Bol Bol was the 44th pick by Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA draft.
  • Trade to the Nuggets: Shortly after the draft, Bol’s rights were traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers.
  • Two-Way Contract: On September 6, 2019, Bol signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets, splitting his time between the NBA and the G League’s Windy City Bulls.
  • G League Double-Double: Bol marked his presence in the NBA G League with a double-double on November 20, 2019, recording 16 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in a win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
  • NBA Debut: Bol Bol made his NBA debut on August 1, 2020, during the 2020 NBA Bubble, contributing 5 points and 4 rebounds in under 11 minutes in a game against the Miami Heat.
  • Trade to Detroit and Voided Deal: On January 10, 2022, Bol was traded to the Detroit Pistons but the deal was voided on January 13 after he failed his physical fitness exam.

Orlando Magic (2022–2023)

  • Trade to the Celtics and Then to the Magic: Bol, along with PJ Dozier, were in a three-team trade to the Boston Celtics and later to the Orlando Magic.
  • Season-Ending Injury: Bol was ruled out for the remainder of the 2022–2023 season on March 15 due to an injury.
  • Re-signing with the Magic: Despite the setback, Bol re-signed with the Orlando Magic on July 7, 2022.
  • Career-High Performance: On November 16, 2022, Bol recorded a career-high 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
  • Waived by the Magic: On July 4, 2023, Bol was waived by the Orlando Magic.

Phoenix Suns (2023–present)

  • New Chapter with the Suns: On July 18, 2023, Bol Bol signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns.

Family

Bol Bol, the second child of Manute Bol and Ajok Kuag, faced a tumultuous start. In 1998, accusations of being an American spy befell Bol Bol’s father, Manute, prompting the Sudanese government to bar him from seeking refuge in the United States.

Undeterred, the family found refuge in America, settling in Connecticut as designated political refugees. Despite his father’s NBA legacy, Bol Bol needed encouragement to embrace basketball, with his father playing a pivotal role by urging him to pick up the sport and join him in training at the gym.


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Bol Bol was drafted 44th overall by Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA draft.
Bol Bol was 44th overall pick by Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA draft.

Net Worth

Commencing his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, Bol Bol has now played for three different teams over his four-year tenure in the league.

Presently, he has inked a one-year contract with the Suns, totaling $2.1 million. His estimated net worth stands at approximately $5 million as of 2023.