Brazilian basketball legend Oscar Schmidt has died at the age of 68, world agencies reported, citing a statement from the family, BTA reported.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest names in the history of world basketball and a figure of immense human and sporting importance. For more than 15 years, Oscar faced his battle against a brain tumor with courage, dignity and resilience, remaining an example of determination, generosity and love of life“, the statement said.
In 2011, Schmidt was diagnosed with brain cancer. He underwent surgery, but the disease continued. In 2022, he said that he had stopped chemotherapy treatment by choice. He later clarified the situation and said that he had been cured.
Schmid, nicknamed Mao Santa (Holy Hand), had a brilliant career and was among the main figures responsible for the popularization of basketball in Brazil.
He participated in five Summer Olympics, but never won a medal. His greatest achievement with the Brazilian national team was the bronze medal at the 1978 World Cup.
Schmid's list of individual achievements, however, is long. He was named one of the 50 greatest players in the world by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 1991. In 1997, he received the Olympic Order, the highest honor of the Olympic movement.
He is considered the all-time leading scorer in basketball history with 49,973 career points, until LeBron James broke the record in 2024.
Schmidt is also the all-time leading scorer in basketball history at the Summer Olympics (1,093 points) and the only player to score more than 1,000 points at the Games.