Legendary Basketball Hall of Famer Dead at 68
Oscar Daniel Bezerra Schmidt has died at the age of 68. The Brazilian basketball star was known as the “Holy Hand,” according to ESPN.
His Family's Statement
His family released a statement about his death from brain cancer, saying that he died, “with courage, dignity and resilience ... while remaining a role model of determination, generosity and love of life.”
Oscar leaves a legacy that transcends sport and inspires generations of athletes and admirers in Brazil and worldwide.”
Kobe Bryant's Idol
Although he never played in the NBA, he was well known for his skills in five Olympic Games, setting scoring records and revving fans. He started playing in Italy where he lived most of his life and became an idol to Kobe Bryant. He was drafted by the New Jersey Jets in 1984 but he declined the offer.
He beat Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s highest score with a tally of 49,737 points for club and country before LeBron James took the lead in 2024.
He said Larry Bird was the GOAT.
“I put five players as the best. There’s Michael Jordan, obviously, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, then the best of them all… The guy who doesn’t jump, and doesn’t run plays better than anyone else. Larry Bird. These five players wouldn’t lose to anyone if they played together,” the Brazilian told Olympic Channel.
After Michael Jordan shattered a backboard in a 1985 exhibition game, Oscar told him, “You are not from Earth,” to which Jordan replied, “You too.”
Schmidt was known for brute force on the court with his nearly 7 feet in height, but kindness off the court. "Some people play the piano, and some people move the piano," he said.
After retiring, he became a motivational speaker and talked about his journey with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, as well as his love of the game.