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Oscar Schmidt, Prolific Brazilian Basketball Great, Dies at 68

His record scoring made him a Brazilian icon revered in Caserta.

Overview

  • The Brazilian star, whose family confirmed his death Friday in Santana do Parnaíba, São Paulo state, was 68.
  • Relatives said he battled a brain tumor for more than 15 years, and they plan a private wake and burial for close family and friends.
  • He entered the FIBA and Naismith halls of fame and finished with 49,737 career points, a total later eclipsed by LeBron James in 2024.
  • For Brazil he played in five Olympics and still holds the records for most total points with 1,093 and for a single game with 55 against Spain at Seoul 1988.
  • In Italy he became the face of Juve Caserta, lifting the club to the top division and the 1988 Italian Cup, with fans in Caserta and Pavia now paying tribute.