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Bol Manute Bol (/ˈboʊl ˈboʊl/ BOHL BOHL;[1] born November 16, 1999) is a South Sudanese–American professional basketball player who last played for the TNT Tropang 5G of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks. A son of basketball player Manute Bol, who was known for being one of the tallest players in NBA history, Bol was born in Khartoum, Sudan, but was raised in the Kansas City area from a young age. In high school, Bol was considered one of the best players in the class of 2018, having been rated a consensus five-star recruit and earning McDonald's All-American honors. A center listed at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m), he is one of the tallest players in NBA history.

Key Information

Bol started his high school career at Blue Valley Northwest High School, where he was assigned to the junior varsity team. He transferred to Bishop Miege High School in the middle of the season but remained on junior varsity due to transfer rules. He joined varsity in his second year. As a junior, he moved to Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, rising in profile as a recruit. In his final season, Bol played for Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. At the international level, he represents the United States but has never competed for them in a FIBA tournament. He was drafted with the 44th pick in the 2019 NBA draft by the Miami Heat, but was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft day. He has also played for the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns.

Early life

[edit]

Bol was born on November 16, 1999, in Khartoum, Sudan, as the second child of former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Manute Bol and his wife Ajok Kuag.[2] He was named after his late great-grandfather and Dinka chief Bol Chol Bol.[3] In 1998, after an American missile strike during the Second Sudanese Civil War, Manute was accused of being an American spy and was barred by the Sudanese government from fleeing to the United States.[3] In 2001, the family traveled to Cairo, Egypt, where they were stranded for many months due to visa problems, despite having acquired tickets to the United States from American friends.[3][4]

In the following year, when Bol was two years old, his family moved to Connecticut as designated political refugees.[3] Upon encouragement from his father, he began playing basketball at age four, although he was initially reluctant.[5] Bol eventually began training with his father in the gym.[2][6] At age seven, his family moved to Kansas City and settled in Olathe, Kansas, a city with a large South Sudanese population.[6] As a 6-foot-5-inch (1.96 m) seventh grader, Bol featured in a highlight video[7] at an Indianapolis basketball camp that drew attention from CBS Sports[8] and The Washington Post.[9] His first NCAA Division I offer came from New Mexico State when he was still in the eighth grade.[10]

High school

[edit]

For the beginning of his freshman basketball season, Bol played for the junior varsity team of Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.[5] Because he did not live in his school district, Bol transferred to Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas where he continued his freshman season.[6] At age 14, he stood 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), but he was forced to remain at the junior varsity level until February 2015 because of transfer rules.[6][11] Bol made his debut for the Bishop Miege junior varsity team on December 11, 2014, displaying his shot blocking and shooting ability.[12][13] Despite becoming eligible on the varsity team by the end of the season, he did not earn playing time.[5] On March 4, 2015, sports website Bleacher Report compared him to a taller Kevin Durant.[14] In May, Bol played for his under-15 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team KC Run GMC at the Jayhawk Invitational in Kansas City, Missouri, scoring 15 points in one game.[15] By then, he was receiving interest from a number of NCAA Division I programs, including Kansas and Oklahoma.[15]

In his sophomore season, Bol was ranked as one of the top players in the class of 2018 by recruiting service 247Sports.[16] On January 6, 2016, in his fourth varsity game, he posted 16 points in a 59–57 upset loss to Hogan Preparatory Academy.[17] Bol contributed 14 points to help Bishop Miege win the Kansas Class 4A Division I state title game, 69–59, over McPherson High School in March.[18] After leading his team to a 22-win season, he earned class 4A-I first-team honors.[19] In April 2016, he received a scholarship offer from Kansas.[20]

In November 2016, Bol announced that he was transferring from Bishop Miege to Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California for his junior year.[21] He was encouraged to join the program because of its head coach Gary McKnight.[22] Bol debuted for Mater Dei on January 24, 2017, recording 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks to coast past Orange Lutheran High School.[23] On February 24, he recorded 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks in an overtime win over defending national champions Chino Hills High School.[24] He scored 15 points in a March 4 loss to Bishop Montgomery High School at the CIF Southern Section Open Division title game.[25] On March 14, at the Open Division semifinals, Bol led Mater Dei with 15 points and 6 rebounds as they defeated St. Augustine High School.[26] He averaged 16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game as a junior, leading his team to a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) runner-up finish.[19] During the season he received offers from Arizona, USC, and Oregon, as well as offers from Kentucky and UCLA.[27] In May, at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) with his team California Supreme, Bol averaged 25.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game.[27]

Bol transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada in November 2017, where he would play under head coach Paul Washington.[28] His head coach at Mater Dei said that Bol made the move due to "family reasons."[29] Shortly after, he committed to play college basketball for Oregon, choosing them over Kentucky.[30] Before the season, Bol was included among 20 players in the USA Today preseason boys' basketball team.[31] On November 27, 2017, he recorded 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a 66–61 win over Morgan Park High School at the Like Mike Invitational.[32] Bol scored 32 points in 21 minutes, shooting 14-of-17 from the field, in a January 14, 2018, rout of Immaculate Conception High School at the Spalding Hoophall Classic.[33] He was selected for the 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game,[34] but was unable to play due to injury.[35] Bol finished his senior season at Findlay Prep averaging 20.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, earning All-USA Boys Basketball Second-Team honors from USA Today High School Sports.[36]

Recruiting

[edit]
College recruiting
Name Hometown School Height Weight Commit date
Bol Bol
C 		Olathe, KS Findlay Prep (NV) 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Nov 20, 2017 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 5/5 stars   247Sports: 5/5 stars   ESPN: 5/5 stars   (96)
Overall recruit ranking:    Rivals: 4    247Sports: 4    ESPN: 4
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Oregon 2018 Basketball Commitments". Rivals. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
  • "2018 Oregon Ducks Recruiting Class". ESPN. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
  • "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved August 25, 2018.

College career

[edit]

Bol joined Oregon as a freshman in the 2018–19 season under head coach Dana Altman.[37] Entering the season, he was considered one of the best prospects for the upcoming NBA draft, although analysts described him as a polarizing prospect in the long term.[37][38] On November 6, 2018, Bol debuted with a double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 23 minutes against Portland State.[39] He later recorded a season-high 32 points and 11 rebounds in an 89–84 loss to Texas Southern.[40] After recording 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a 66–54 win over San Diego on December 12, Bol injured his left foot and missed the rest of the season. He declared for the NBA draft after his freshman season.[41][42] Bol was projected as the third pick in the 2019 NBA draft behind Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett before his season-ending injury. [citation needed]

Professional career

[edit]

Denver Nuggets (2019–2022)

[edit]

Bol was drafted with the 44th pick of the 2019 NBA draft by the Miami Heat. He was originally mentioned as a potential lottery pick or being selected somewhere in the first round on draft night, but slid in the draft until the second round.[43] His draft rights were then traded to the Denver Nuggets for a 2022 second-round draft pick acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers.[44][45] On September 6, 2019, Bol signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets, splitting time with the Windy City Bulls.[46] He had his first double double in the NBA G League on November 20, recording 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in a 115–105 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.[47] On November 24, the Nuggets recalled Bol.[48]

Bol eventually made his NBA debut in the 2020 NBA Bubble on August 1, 2020, recording 5 points and 4 rebounds in under 11 minutes of play in a 105–125 loss to the Miami Heat.[49] The Nuggets finished as the third seed in the Western Conference, and faced the Utah Jazz during their first round matchup. Bol made his playoff debut on August 19, scoring two points in a 105–124 Game 2 loss.[50] The Nuggets eliminated the Jazz in seven games, and advanced to face the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round, whom they defeated in another seven-game series. The Nuggets eventually fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, losing in five games.

On January 1, 2022, Bol scored a season-high 11 points, alongside three rebounds, in a 124–111 win over the Houston Rockets.[51] On January 10, Bol was traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Rodney McGruder and a 2022 second-round draft pick via the Brooklyn Nets.[52] The trade was voided on January 13, after Bol failed his physical fitness exam.[53] On January 18, he underwent surgery on his right foot and was listed as out indefinitely.[54]

Orlando Magic (2022–2023)

[edit]

On January 19, 2022, Bol and PJ Dozier were traded to the Boston Celtics in a three-team transaction involving the San Antonio Spurs, which sent Juancho Hernangómez to San Antonio and Bryn Forbes to Denver.[55] On February 10, before playing in a game for the Celtics, Bol and Dozier were traded to the Orlando Magic, alongside a future second-round draft pick and cash considerations, for a 2023 protected second-round pick.[56] On March 15, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season.[57]

On July 7, 2022, Bol re-signed with the Magic.[58] On November 16, Bol recorded a career-high 26 points, alongside 12 rebounds, and three blocks in a 108–126 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[59]

On July 4, 2023, Bol was waived by the Magic.[60]

Phoenix Suns (2023–2025)

[edit]

On July 18, 2023, the Phoenix Suns signed Bol to a one-year deal.[61] On January 1, 2024, Bol recorded his best game of the season at the time with season-highs of 11 points and a team-high 9 rebounds in 20 minutes of action in a 109–88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers after previously only playing 19 total minutes throughout 8 games played with Phoenix.[62] On February 23, 2024, Bol put up his best game of the season with the Suns with season-high performances of 25 points and 14 rebounds while coming off the bench in a 114–110 loss to the Houston Rockets.[63] On July 7, 2024, he re-signed with the Suns.[64]

TNT Tropang 5G (2026)

[edit]

In February 2026, Bol signed with the TNT Tropang 5G of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the team's import for the 2026 Commissioners Cup.[65] He made his debut for the TNT Tropang 5G in their 112–109 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in March 2026.[66] Bol developed a reputation for not making post-game interviews in the PBA with TNT coach Chot Reyes, attributing it to Bol's personality and unfamiliarity in playing in a non-U.S. league.[67][68][69]

Bol recorded a career high with TNT in a 108–101 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots on May 5, 2026, with 53 points, seven blocks and 20 rebounds.[70][71] TNT finished as the eight placed team in the elimination round advancing to the quarterfinals.[72]

The team underperformed with TNT coming close to a grand slam, only failing to win the 2025 Philippine Cup, the third and final tournament of the 2024–25 season. This led to the players to holding an open forum among players to determine the issue internally. Bol was told to pass the ball to his teammates more.[73]

In the playoffs, TNT reached the quarterfinals and beat the top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors, who had a twice-to-beat advantage.[74][75] TNT became the fifth No. 8 seed to advance to the tournament.[73] But Bol got injured early in semifinals Game 2 against the Meralco Bolts, missing the rest of the tournament.[76] Contrary to perceptions, Reyes said Bol was coachable and had a good relationship with teammates during Bol's stint.[77]

National team career

[edit]

After taking part in training camp, Bol was a finalist to make the United States roster for the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.[2] However, he was later cut from the squad by head coach John Calipari.[78]

In April 2018, Bol drew attention at the Nike Hoop Summit, playing for the United States junior national select team.[2] He recorded 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in an 89–76 loss to Team World, which was made up of international players playing high school basketball in the United States.[79][80]

In June 2024, Bol was among the fifty pre-selected players for the South Sudan national team, who will be playing in the 2024 Summer Olympics.[81] On July 19, 2024, it was announced Bol had been ruled out for the Olympics for undisclosed personal reasons.[82]

Personal life

[edit]

Bol is the son of former NBA player Manute Bol, who was even taller and stood at a towering 7 feet, 7 inches. Bol has ten siblings, including Madut, who played college basketball at Southern University and graduated in 2013.[2][83]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2019–20 Denver 7 0 12.4 .500 .444 .800 2.7 .9 .3 .9 5.7
2020–21 Denver 32 2 5.0 .431 .375 .667 .8 .2 .1 .3 2.2
2021–22 Denver 14 0 5.8 .556 .250 .400 1.4 .4 .1 .1 2.4
2022–23 Orlando 70 33 21.5 .546 .265 .759 5.8 1.0 .4 1.2 9.1
2023–24 Phoenix 43 0 10.9 .616 .423 .789 3.2 .4 .2 .6 5.2
2024–25 Phoenix 36 10 12.4 .525 .344 .769 2.9 .6 .3 .7 6.8
Career 202 45 13.6 .545 .332 .749 3.5 .6 .3 .8 6.2

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020 Denver 4 0 5.4 .556 .667 .875 1.3 .0 .5 .5 4.8
2021 Denver 3 0 2.0 .000 .000 — .3 .7 .0 .0 .0
2024 Phoenix 3 0 4.3 .333 — — 1.3 .0 .3 .0 .7
Career 10 0 4.0 .462 .500 .875 1.0 .2 .3 .2 2.1

NBA G League

[edit]

Source[84]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2019–20 Windy City 8 0 19.3 .577 .364 1.000 5.8 .0 .1 2.3 12.0

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2018–19 Oregon 9 9 29.8 .561 .520 .757 9.6 1.0 .8 2.7 21.0

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bol Bol

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bol Bol is a South Sudanese–American professional basketball player who most recently played as a center and power forward for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[https://www.nba.com/player/1629626/bol-bol] Born on November 16, 1999, in Khartoum, Sudan, he stands at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) tall and weighs 220 pounds (100 kg).[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bolbo01.html] The son of the late NBA center Manute Bol, who was renowned for his 7-foot-7-inch (2.31 m) stature and shot-blocking prowess, Bol Bol has pursued a career marked by his own exceptional height, athleticism, and potential as a versatile big man.[https://goducks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bol-bol/8107] As of November 2025, he remains an unsigned free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Suns after the 2024–25 season.[https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2025] Bol Bol's early life was shaped by his family's relocation from Sudan to the United States when he was two years old, settling first in Connecticut before moving to Overland Park, Kansas.[https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2024/03/12/bol-bol-manute-bol-legacy-phoenix-suns/72750773007/] His mother, Ajoke Deng (also known as Ajok Kuag), contributing to the family's legacy of extraordinary height.[https://goducks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bol-bol/8107] Growing up in the shadow of his father's NBA fame—Manute Bol played for teams like the Washington Bullets and Golden State Warriors from 1985 to 1995—Bol Bol developed his skills through youth basketball, attending multiple high schools including Mater Dei High School in California and Findlay Prep in Nevada, where he emerged as a top recruit.[https://www.ocregister.com/2017/03/10/mater-dei-basketball-star-bol-bol-a-towering-figure-like-77-father-manute-bol/] He committed to the University of Oregon, playing nine games in the 2018–19 season before a foot injury ended his college career; in those outings, he averaged 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/bol-bol-1.html] Drafted 44th overall in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft by the Miami Heat—with rights immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets—Bol Bol began his professional career primarily in the NBA G League, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and perimeter shooting abilities.[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bolbo01.html] Over five NBA seasons, he appeared in 202 regular-season games across the Nuggets (2019–22), Orlando Magic (2022–23), and Suns (2023–2025), averaging 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, with career highs including 26 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022 and a 25-point performance in 2025.[https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4397102/bol-bol] Internationally, Bol has represented the South Sudan national team, honoring his heritage while continuing his father's philanthropic legacy in the region.[https://www.nba.com/magic/news/orlando-magic-bol-bol-refugee-children-congo-sudan-un-refugee-agency-manute-bol-story-20230405]

Early life and high school

Early life

Bol Bol was born on November 16, 1999, in Khartoum, Sudan, to former NBA player Manute Bol and his wife Ajok Kuag.[1] As the son of a prominent Dinka tribesman, Bol's early years were shaped by his family's ties to Sudan's ongoing conflicts.[1] Due to the Second Sudanese Civil War, which had displaced millions since 1983, Bol's family sought refuge abroad. In 2001, amid political tensions— including Manute Bol being accused of espionage by Sudanese authorities—the family relocated to Cairo, Egypt, where they remained stranded for six months while awaiting U.S. visas.[1][2] In 2002, with assistance from U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman and American contacts who provided travel support, the family gained refugee status and immigrated to the United States, initially settling in Connecticut.[1][3] By 2006, when Bol was seven, they moved to Olathe, Kansas, a city with a significant South Sudanese community that offered familial and cultural support.[4] Growing up under the influence of his father's NBA legacy as one of the league's tallest players and a humanitarian advocate for Sudan, Bol received early exposure to basketball through informal training sessions with Manute in Kansas.[1] Initially reluctant, Bol began developing basic skills under his father's guidance, laying the foundation for his athletic pursuits.

High school career

Bol Bol began his high school basketball career at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, starting in 2013, where he played on the junior varsity team as a freshman while adjusting to the demands of organized basketball following his family's relocation to the United States. Influenced by his father's legacy and the need for more competitive play, he transferred to Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, for his sophomore year (2015–16), averaging 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while contributing to the team's state championship run.[5][6][7] Seeking increased national visibility, Bol transferred to Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, for his junior year (2016–17). He encountered eligibility challenges upon enrollment but was cleared to play in January 2017 by the CIF Southern Section under the valid change of residence rule, allowing him to join the team for the second half of the season. In 20 appearances, Bol averaged 16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, providing a dominant presence in the paint and helping Mater Dei advance to the CIF Open Division state finals.[8][9][10] Prior to his senior year (2017–18), Bol transferred again to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, a program known for preparing elite prospects, where he averaged 20.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, earning All-USA Boys Basketball Second-Team honors.[11][12] Throughout high school, Bol supplemented his varsity experience with Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) play for the KC Run GMC team in the Under Armour Association, earning all-tournament honors at events like the Jayhawk Invitational and gaining broader exposure through standout performances that showcased his length, shot-blocking, and perimeter skills.[13][6]

Recruiting

Bol Bol emerged as one of the most highly touted prospects in the 2018 recruiting class, earning five-star status from major scouting services due to his exceptional height, shot-blocking ability, and perimeter skills. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches, Bol drew significant attention for his unique blend of size and agility, often compared to his father, the late NBA legend Manute Bol, who stood at 7 feet 7 inches and was known for his defensive prowess. This familial legacy amplified the hype surrounding Bol, positioning him as a potential generational talent capable of revolutionizing the center position with his three-point shooting and mobility.[14][3] Bol was ranked No. 4 overall in the 2018 class by ESPN and No. 3 by the 247Sports composite rankings, highlighting his status as the top center prospect nationally. He received scholarship offers from numerous elite programs, including Kansas, UCLA, Kentucky, Arizona, USC, and Oregon, with coaches praising his potential to dominate both ends of the court. Despite interest from blue-blood programs like Kentucky—where Bol admitted he had always been a fan—his recruitment centered on finding a system that would allow him to develop his offensive versatility without solely relying on his interior presence.[12][15][16] On November 20, 2017, Bol announced his commitment to Oregon via an article in The Players' Tribune, signing a national letter of intent shortly thereafter and elevating the Ducks' class to No. 1 nationally. His decision was influenced by Oregon's up-tempo style and the opportunity to play alongside fellow high recruits like Louis King. Bol's recruitment also featured national recognition, as he was selected to the 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game roster, though he was unable to participate due to injury. His high school transfers, including stints at Mater Dei and Findlay Prep, had raised minor eligibility questions earlier, but these were resolved in time for his college commitment.[17][18][19]

College career

Commitment and preseason preparation

Bol Bol committed to the University of Oregon in November 2017 as part of the Ducks' highly touted 2018 recruiting class.[12] He enrolled at the university in June 2018 following his high school graduation from Findlay Prep. His initial focus upon arrival was on academic acclimation to college life and strength conditioning to enhance his frame for Division I basketball.[20][21] During this preparatory period, Bol participated in limited practices to build skills and adapt to the college level, drawing early attention from NBA scouts for his unique potential as a 7-foot-2 center with perimeter shooting ability.[22]

Freshman season (2018–19)

Bol Bol made his collegiate debut for the Oregon Ducks on November 6, 2018, against Portland State, recording a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.[23] Over the course of nine games in his freshman season, he averaged 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game while playing 29.8 minutes on average, showcasing his versatility as a 7-foot-2 center with perimeter skills.[24] In early-season matchups, Bol delivered standout performances, including a career-high 32 points and 11 rebounds against Texas Southern on November 26, 2018, and 26 points with nine rebounds in a win over Syracuse on November 16, 2018, his 19th birthday.[23] His preseason preparation had contributed to improved physical conditioning, allowing him to handle a starting role effectively from the outset.[21] Bol's season was cut short on December 12, 2018, when he suffered a left foot injury during a game against San Diego, which was later diagnosed as a navicular fracture, causing him to miss the remainder of the campaign. On March 29, 2019, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft, hired an agent with CAA Sports, and forwent additional college eligibility.[25]

Professional career

Denver Nuggets (2019–2022)

Bol Bol was selected by the Miami Heat with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft before his draft rights were acquired by the Denver Nuggets on June 21, 2019, in exchange for cash considerations and the swap rights to the lower of Miami's two 2022 second-round picks.[26] On September 6, 2019, the Nuggets signed Bol to a two-way contract, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate.[27] Due to a lingering foot injury from his college days at Oregon, Bol's early professional development emphasized rehabilitation and conditioning, limiting his initial on-court activity.[28] During the 2019–20 season, Bol made nine appearances for the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League, averaging 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field.[29] He did not appear in an NBA game before the season's suspension on March 11, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bol made his NBA debut on August 1, 2020, during the league's restart in the Orlando bubble, recording 5 points and 4 rebounds in 10 minutes off the bench in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.[30] Over the remainder of the shortened season, he appeared in seven total games for Denver, averaging 5.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent.[30] In the 2020–21 season, the Nuggets converted Bol's two-way contract to a standard multi-year NBA deal on November 24, 2020, retaining him as a rookie since he had no pre-hiatus appearances.[31] The NBA G League season was largely suspended due to the pandemic, so Bol received no affiliate assignments. He saw limited NBA action, appearing in 24 games primarily as a reserve, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in 5.7 minutes per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field.[30] His role focused on building defensive awareness and physical conditioning to address concerns about his 7-foot-3 frame's durability and lateral quickness.[28] Entering the 2021–22 season, Bol remained with Denver on his standard contract but struggled for consistent minutes amid a crowded frontcourt. He appeared in 5 games, averaging 1.4 points and 1.0 rebound in 4.1 minutes per game, shooting 50.0 percent from the field.[30] On January 10, 2022, the Nuggets traded Bol to the Detroit Pistons for guard Rodney McGruder and a 2022 second-round pick, but the deal was voided on January 13 after Bol failed his physical examination due to a right foot navicular injury requiring surgery.[32] Over his three seasons with the Nuggets, Bol played in 36 total games, averaging 2.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.6 minutes per game, with his time emphasizing gradual integration into NBA rotations while prioritizing defensive fundamentals and injury management.[33]

Orlando Magic (2022–2023)

Bol Bol joined the Orlando Magic through a trade from the Boston Celtics on February 10, 2022, alongside P.J. Dozier, a future second-round pick, and cash considerations, but he did not appear in any games that season due to a lingering foot injury from earlier in the year.[34] On July 7, 2022, the Magic re-signed him as a restricted free agent to a two-year, $4.4 million contract, with the second year's $2.2 million salary non-guaranteed, providing him an opportunity to secure a more prominent role on a rebuilding roster.[35][36] During the 2022–23 season, Bol Bol earned an expanded role amid injuries to other frontcourt players, starting 33 of the 70 games he played while averaging career highs of 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game. His efficient scoring, particularly around the rim at 54.6% field goal percentage, highlighted his athleticism and length, with a standout performance of 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in a November 16 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[37] Bol's prior experience in the NBA G League with the Grand Rapids Gold helped him adapt to increased minutes, contributing to the Magic's frontcourt depth and their development as a young core featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.[38] Injury management remained a challenge, as Bol dealt with an ankle issue in January and subsequent absences that limited his late-season participation, causing him to miss several games from March to April amid the team's push for a play-in spot.[39] Despite these setbacks, his versatility as a rim protector and scorer added value to Orlando's rotation, helping the franchise improve from 22 wins the prior season to 34.[40] The Magic waived Bol on July 4, 2023, after opting not to guarantee his $2.2 million salary for the 2023–24 season, allowing him to enter free agency following a promising but inconsistent tenure.[41]

Phoenix Suns (2023–2025)

On July 18, 2023, Bol Bol signed a one-year, $2.17 million contract with the Phoenix Suns after entering free agency from the Orlando Magic. In his first season with the team during 2023–24, Bol appeared in 60 games off the bench, averaging 5.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 11.0 minutes per game while shooting 61.6% from the field.[30] A standout performance came on February 23, 2024, when he recorded season highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds (including 6 offensive) in a 114–110 loss to the Houston Rockets, contributing significantly with efficient scoring on 10-of-14 shooting.[42] Bol re-signed with the Suns on July 7, 2024, to another one-year deal worth $2.43 million for the 2024–25 season.[43] In the 2024–25 season, he appeared in 36 games, averaging 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game while shooting 52.5% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range on limited attempts.[30] Bol primarily served as a depth big man behind frontcourt stars like Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic, offering rim protection and spacing in short bursts during rotations.[44] His role emphasized defensive improvements and opportunistic scoring, positioning him as a valuable reserve option amid the Suns' contention push in the Western Conference. Following the expiration of his contract after the 2024–25 season, Bol became an unrestricted free agent and remains unsigned as of November 2025.[45]

International career

National team debut

Bol Bol is eligible to represent South Sudan through his father's heritage, with Manute Bol hailing from Turalei in present-day South Sudan, under FIBA regulations for players with parental ties to the country.[46] This allows for potential selection despite his American upbringing and lack of prior senior international play for the United States. Bol Bol's initial involvement with the South Sudan program came amid logistical hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including delayed qualifiers and restricted travel for overseas-based players like himself, as the team prepared for early AfroBasket qualification windows starting in 2020.[47] He joined his first national team training camp in preparation for international competitions, marking the beginning of efforts to integrate NBA talent into the Bright Stars roster.[48] As a 7-foot-3 center, Bol Bol is positioned as a cornerstone for South Sudan's developing basketball program, which achieved its first Olympic qualification in 2024 through strong showings in prior FIBA events.[49] His heritage ties to the family's Sudanese roots further underscore his symbolic importance to the nation's rising presence in global basketball.[50]

Major tournaments

Bol Bol has been a highly anticipated addition to South Sudan's national team roster for several major international competitions, though he has yet to make his debut in FIBA-sanctioned events due to commitments with his NBA team, the Phoenix Suns.[50] He was included in the preliminary roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics but withdrew from the training camp for personal reasons. Despite this, his inclusion on preliminary and training rosters has underscored his symbolic importance to the Bright Stars' rapid ascent in African and global basketball. South Sudan achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics through their performance at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, marking their first appearance at the Games, though Bol did not participate.[49] In the 2022 FIBA AfroBasket, South Sudan competed as underdogs but demonstrated resilience with an upset victory over Cape Verde, advancing to the knockout stages; Bol was not part of the active roster. The team continued their momentum in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, securing key wins such as against Guinea to earn a spot in the main tournament—their first World Cup appearance—where they finished 17th overall and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics as Africa's top performer. Bol opted out of the 2023 World Cup to prioritize his NBA development.[51][52] Bol's potential impact remains a focal point for South Sudan's future, particularly as the team participated in the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, reaching the quarterfinals but without his involvement on the roster. His heritage as the son of NBA legend Manute Bol has inspired the program's growth, contributing to South Sudan's emergence as a competitive force in Africa despite limited participation from diaspora stars like him.[53][54]

Personal life

Family background

Bol Bol was born to Manute Bol and Ajok Kuag, members of the Dinka ethnic group from what is now South Sudan.[1][55] The Dinka people, known for their tall stature which often exceeds average heights due to genetic factors, have significantly influenced Bol's physical attributes and cultural identity.[46] His father, standing at 7 feet 7 inches, passed on this genetic predisposition for exceptional height, while also emphasizing discipline through his own experiences.[1] Manute Bol had a notable NBA career as a center from 1985 to 1995, playing for teams including the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers, where his extraordinary height made him a unique defensive presence despite his slender build. Ajok Kuag, whom Manute married in Sudan after traditional negotiations involving livestock dowry, provided a strong familial foundation rooted in Dinka customs.[1] Bol has an older half-brother, Madut Bol, who followed in the family tradition by playing college basketball at Southern University from 2009 to 2013.[56] The family's Dinka heritage continues to shape Bol's connection to his roots, including values of community and resilience. The family faced significant tragedies, most prominently the death of Manute Bol on June 19, 2010, at age 47, due to acute kidney failure complicated by Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin condition he contracted during a humanitarian trip to Sudan.[57] This loss deeply affected Bol, who was 10 years old at the time, and the family returned to Sudan for the burial in Manute's native village of Turalei.[1] Earlier, the family had relocated as refugees from Sudan to Egypt and then to the United States in 2002, fleeing the civil war and political persecution.[58]

Citizenship and philanthropy

Bol Bol holds dual citizenship as a South Sudanese national by descent and a naturalized American citizen. Born in Khartoum, Sudan, to parents who fled the civil war, his family relocated to the United States in 2002 as designated political refugees, eventually settling in the Kansas City area.[59] Since entering the NBA, Bol Bol's residences have aligned with his professional teams. He lived in Colorado from 2019 to 2022 while with the Denver Nuggets, moved to Florida for the 2022–2023 season with the Orlando Magic, and resided in Arizona from 2023 to 2025 while with the Phoenix Suns. Bol Bol has engaged in philanthropy by supporting Sudanese refugee causes, continuing the humanitarian legacy of his father, Manute Bol. In April 2023, while with the Magic, he collaborated with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to visit and raise awareness for young refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, sharing stories of displacement to highlight their needs.[60] He has also expressed commitment to organizations like Sudan Sunrise, which fulfills Manute Bol's vision of educational support for children affected by conflict in Sudan.[59]

Career statistics

NBA regular season

Bol Bol made his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets during the 2019–20 season after being selected in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft. Over his career spanning six seasons through the 2024–25 campaign, he has appeared in 202 regular season games, averaging 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 54.8% from the field.[30] In his rookie year (2019–20), Bol played limited minutes in 7 games for Denver, averaging 1.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His role expanded slightly in 2020–21 with 32 appearances, though his efficiency dipped to 43.1% field goal shooting amid 2.2 points per game. The 2021–22 season saw further sporadic play in 14 games, where he averaged 2.4 points. A trade to the Orlando Magic before the 2022–23 season marked a breakout, as Bol earned a rotation spot and played 70 games, posting career highs of 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 54.6% shooting. With the Phoenix Suns in 2023–24, he appeared in 43 games off the bench, improving to 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game with a 61.6% field goal percentage. In the 2024–25 season with Phoenix, Bol appeared in 36 games, averaging 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game.[30] Bol's advanced metrics reflect his development as a rim-protecting big man with growing offensive involvement. His career player efficiency rating (PER) stands at 15.6, with a usage rate of 18.9%; post-2022, his usage has trended upward, reaching 21.1% in 2024–25, indicating increased ball-handling responsibilities.[30]
SeasonTeamGMPFG%PTSTRBASTBLKPERUSG%
2019-20DEN712.4.5005.72.70.90.914.421.2
2020-21DEN325.0.4312.20.80.20.39.421.2
2021-22DEN145.8.5562.41.40.40.113.518.0
2022-23ORL7021.5.5469.15.81.01.214.418.2
2023-24PHX4310.9.6165.23.20.40.618.716.5
2024-25PHX3612.4.5256.82.90.60.718.421.1
Career20213.6.5486.23.50.60.815.618.9

NBA playoffs

Bol Bol has made limited appearances in the NBA playoffs, totaling 10 games across three postseason runs as an end-of-bench reserve player, with no starts to his name.[61] His career playoff averages stand at 2.1 points and 1.0 rebound per game in just over 4 minutes of playing time, reflecting his role as a depth option rather than a rotational contributor.[62] Due to the minimal minutes, advanced metrics such as player efficiency rating or win shares are not meaningfully applicable, as his contributions were sporadic and low-volume.[61] During the 2020 NBA Bubble playoffs with the Denver Nuggets, Bol appeared in four games as the team advanced to the Western Conference Finals. He debuted in Game 2 of the first round against the Utah Jazz on August 19, 2020, scoring 2 points in 4 minutes off the bench during a 124–105 loss.[61] In Game 3 of that series, he had a brief standout moment with 11 points in 9 minutes during an 117–124 overtime loss on August 21.[61] Bol saw action in one game each in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers (4 points in 4 minutes on September 3) and the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers (2 points in 4 minutes on September 18), as the Nuggets were eliminated in a 4–1 series defeat.[61] In the 2021 playoffs, still with the Nuggets on a two-way contract, Bol played in three games totaling under 6 minutes, scoring no points. His only first-round appearance came in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers on May 24, where he grabbed 1 rebound in 2 minutes during a 126–115 win that closed out the series.[61] He then logged minimal time in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, playing 2 minutes with 1 assist in Game 2 (a 123–119 loss on June 7) and 1 minute with 1 assist in Game 5 (a 130–118 loss on June 11), as Denver fell in six games.[61] Bol's most recent playoff stint came in 2024 with the Phoenix Suns, where he appeared in all three games of their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging about 4 minutes per game. He recorded 1 rebound in 4 minutes during Game 1 (a 120–95 loss on April 20), 2 rebounds in 2 minutes in Game 2 (a 97–87 loss on April 23), and 2 points with 1 rebound in 7 minutes in Game 3 (a 126–109 loss on April 26), contributing a total of 2 points in the sweep.[61] The Suns were eliminated without advancing further, marking Bol's third playoff appearance in a supporting capacity.[44]

G League regular season

Bol Bol began his professional career with limited assignments to the NBA G League under a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets. During the 2019–20 season, he was assigned to the Windy City Bulls, the Nuggets' affiliate at the time, where he appeared in 8 regular season games. Bol averaged 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 57.7% from the field.[29][63] In subsequent seasons with the Nuggets (2020–22) and Orlando Magic (2022–23), Bol was occasionally assigned to their affiliates—the Grand Rapids Gold and Lakeland Magic, respectively—but did not appear in regular season games for either team. He has not played in the G League since the 2022–23 season.
SeasonTeamGPMPGFG%PPGRPGBPG
2019–20Windy City Bulls819.3.57712.05.82.3
Career819.3.57712.05.82.3

College statistics

Bol Bol played in nine games during his freshman season at the University of Oregon in 2018–19 before a left foot injury ended his college career.[24][64] His performance showcased his potential as a versatile big man, leading the Ducks in scoring, rebounding, and blocks at the time of his injury.[21] The following table summarizes his per-game averages across those nine contests:
StatisticAverage
Games Played9
Minutes per Game29.7
Points per Game21.0
Rebounds per Game9.6
Assists per Game1.0
Blocks per Game2.7
Field Goal %56.1
3-Point %52.0
Free Throw %75.7
These figures reflect efficient scoring inside and from beyond the arc, with 25 three-point attempts made at a high clip, though his playing time was curtailed by the injury sustained in December 2018.[24][65]

References

  1. Bol Bol, Manute Bol's son, eyes bright basketball future
  2. Manute Bol Back in U.S. -- as a Refugee - Los Angeles Times
  3. Mater Dei basketball star Bol Bol a towering figure like 7'7″ father ...
  4. Manute Bol's son is now 6-feet-10 at the age of 14 and, yes, he plays ...
  5. Bol Bol, Manute's Son, Throwing Down A Windmill Dunk - VICE
  6. Bol Bol, 6-Foot-10 Son of Manute, Adjusts to High School Basketball
  7. NBA Draft Prospect Bol Bol Has Scouts, Execs Split on His Potential
  8. Breaking: Bol Bol eligible to play basketball at Mater Dei
  9. Boys' basketball: 7-footer Bol Bol is cleared to play for Mater Dei
  10. High school basketball star Bol Bol leaving Mater Dei for Findlay Prep
  11. Top center Bol Bol transfers from Mater Dei to Findlay Prep
  12. Top-5 recruit Bol Bol, son of former NBA player, commits to Oregon
  13. 6'11 16 year old Bol Bol: Unmatched Length + Rare Skill Set!
  14. Bol Bol is the 5-star recruit carrying a famous name and a tantalizing ...
  15. Bol Bol, five-star son of former NBA player Manute Bol, picks Oregon ...
  16. Bol Bol: 'I've always loved Kentucky' - 247 Sports
  17. Bol Bol Signs with Oregon - University of Oregon Athletics
  18. Oregon Ducks signees Bol Bol, Louis King selected to McDonald's ...
  19. Bol Bol joins McDonald's All American Boys Team - KTNV
  20. Bol Bol, Oregon, Power Forward - 247 Sports
  21. Bol Bol - Men's Basketball - University of Oregon Athletics
  22. Top-5 NBA prospect Bol Bol out for season at Oregon, will enter draft
  23. Bol Bol 2018-19 Game Log | College Basketball at Sports ...
  24. Bol Bol College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
  25. Ducks freshman Bol turns pro, agrees with agent - ESPN
  26. Bol Bol Player Profile, Phoenix Suns - RealGM
  27. Denver Nuggets sign Bol Bol to two-way contract - NBA
  28. Nuggets' Bol Bol impresses Mike Malone with double-double in debut
  29. Bol Bol G-League Stats | Basketball-Reference.com
  30. Bol Bol Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  31. Nuggets convert Bol Bol's contract to standard multi-year deal - NBA
  32. Detroit Pistons void deal with Denver Nuggets for Bol Bol after failed ...
  33. Bol Bol Stats With The Nuggets - StatMuse
  34. Orlando Magic Acquire Bol Bol, P.J. Dozier, Future Second Round ...
  35. Orlando Magic Re-Sign Free Agent Bol Bol
  36. Bol Bol | NBA Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  37. https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1629626/boxscores?Season=2022-23&SeasonType=Regular%20Season
  38. Bol Bol Continues to Impress With His Unique Set of Skills - NBA
  39. Bol Bol Injuries - NBA - FOX Sports
  40. Orlando Magic's Best Team Statistical Performances in 2022-23 ...
  41. Bol Bol waived after 1 season with Magic | NBA.com
  42. Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Feb 23, 2024 Game Summary
  43. SUNS RE-SIGN BOL BOL | Phoenix Suns - NBA
  44. Bol Bol News, Rumors, Updates - Phoenix Suns | FOX Sports
  45. Bol Bol | Center-Forward | Phoenix Suns | NBA.com
  46. What Are Bol Bol's Ethnicity & Religion? All Details of Suns Star's ...
  47. Paris 2024 men's basketball team preview: South Sudan
  48. FIBA Afrobasket 2021 - Preliminary Phase | FIBA Basketball Events
  49. Bol Bol headlines South Sudan's Olympic training camp roster
  50. 50 names, huge potential for South Sudan Olympic team
  51. Phoenix Suns' Bol Bol ruled out of Paris Olympics with South Sudan
  52. Dech leads South Sudan to FIBA World Cup qualification
  53. 2023 FIBA World Cup: Can Luol Deng's South Sudan Make History?
  54. South Sudan Team Profile - FIBA AfroBasket 2025
  55. The Bright Stars: South Sudan's Basketball Team Continues to Shine
  56. Bol Bol - USA Basketball
  57. Madut Bol - 2012-13 - Men's Basketball - Southern University Athletics
  58. Bol dies after battle with disease - ESPN
  59. Dinka: The Basketball Tribe - The Circular
  60. Bol Bol wants to continue the work his father started - Andscape
  61. Orlando Magic's Bol Bol Continues to Follow in His Father's ... - NBA
  62. Bol Bol Playoffs Game Log | Basketball-Reference.com
  63. Bol Bol Career Playoff Stats | StatMuse
  64. Bol Bol - NBA G League Stats
  65. Foot injury ends Bol Bol's Oregon career after 9 games | AP News
  66. 2018-19 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics
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