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Brazilian Basketball Icon Oscar Schmidt Dies at 68

Family says he faced a brain tumor for 15 years.

Overview

  • Schmidt, who was taken to São Paulo’s Santa Ana municipal hospital Friday after a sudden collapse, died minutes after receiving care, the hospital said.
  • His family confirmed a long fight with a brain tumor and asked for a private farewell restricted to relatives.
  • He was celebrated as one of the sport’s top scorers with 49,737 career points, and he still holds the Olympic scoring record with 1,093 points.
  • He led Brazil to Pan American gold in 1987 with a 46-point final against the United States in Indianapolis.
  • He declined an NBA path after the New Jersey Nets drafted him in 1984 because league rules then would have cost him his place on Brazil’s national team.