The funeral for former Washington Bullets 7’7″ center Manute Bol was held Tuesday at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Bol played 10 seasons in the NBA and became a prolific shot blocker, but was best known for his humanitarian work in his native war-torn Sudan.
Bol died at the age of 47 of kidney failure and complications from the skin condition Stevens-Johnson syndrome at University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville June 19. Bol had made trips to Sudan in recent years and was given medication that may have resulted in side effects that caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Approximately 150 people attended Bol’s funeral, where former National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), friends, and relatives spoke. Former teammates including Chris Mullin attended the funeral, as did former Bullets General Manager Bob Ferry, who drafted Bol in the second round in 1985, and former NBA players Buck Williams and Rory Sparrow.
Bol was a great humanitarian and will be sorely missed. To see the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here. All photos below by Mike Frandsen.
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- Bob Ferry, former Washington Bullets GM who drafted Bol, called him the greatest shot blocker ever.
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- The National Cathedral stands tall, like Manute.
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- The program from former Washington Bullet Manute Bol’s funeral, July 29, 2010 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
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- Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) spoke at Manute Bol’s funeral.
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- Former teammate Chris Mullin attended Bol’s funeral.
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- Sudanese ambassador Dr. Akec K.A. Khoc spoke at Manute’s funeral.
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- The crowd gathers after Manute’s funeral.
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- Pallbearers carry Manute’s casket.
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- Manute’s funeral was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
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- Former Maryland All-American and 17-year NBA player Buck Williams had fond memories of Manute.
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