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The NBA has been graced with the presence of some formidable big guys throughout its history. Shaquille O?Neal is the one who still stands tall amongst the category of athletes, given his combination of being 7 feet tall and having a strong physical presence. However, there is one Sudanese player who was taller than Shaq. Yet, he didn?t have a vibrant physique built around it.

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Having a strong physical attribute helps one dominate their opponents in a game and can do wonders for your chances in a matchup. Let?s find out more about this mammoth of a man who served in the NBA for two legendary years.

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The giant is brought back to Twitter

In a thread of tweets by a user named Frank Michael Smith, Manute Bol (father of Bol Bol) was featured. The tweet was mostly about the lesser-known facts about the former Golden State Warriors man. Fans admired his incredible wingspan and shot-blocking abilities, as he became a beloved figure in the league despite not being an offensive powerhouse.

The Tweet discussed the unusual pre-game routine Bol had. The revelation was made by a former teammate, Jayson Williams as he claimed to have never seen him sober before a game. According to accounts from former teammates and insiders, Bol had a habit of drinking beers before every game.

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He would just walk around the locker room naked drinking Heinekens,”?confessed Williams.

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While most athletes adhere to strict pre-game routines that involve focused preparation and mental conditioning, Bol followed an unconventional ritual that puzzled many. But it was actually a strategy suggested by his team.

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This method was recommended to him during his time at the Philadelphia 76ers so that Bol could keep up in the physical aspect of the game as well.

This revelation surprised many fans and basketball enthusiasts as alcohol consumption before physical exertion is typically discouraged due to its dehydrating effects and potential negative impact on performance.

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Another aspect of Manute Bol?s life that continues to intrigue people is the uncertainty surrounding his actual age.

The mysterious age of Manute Bol

Official records state that Bol was born in 1962, which would make him approximately 33 years old when he made his NBA debut in 1985. However, various reports and claims suggest that Bol might have been older than the documented age.

The thread of tweets also discussed a story around Bol confessing to a teammate of carving a scar on his body once every 5 years to remember his age. That’s when his former teammate took a pause and began counting. To his horror, he counted 11 lines!

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Regardless of the uncertainty, Bol?s age did not deter him from making a significant impact on the NBA and becoming a legendary shot-blocker.

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Written by

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Harshdeep Ahluwalia

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Harshdeep Ahluwalia is an NBA Writer at EssesntiallySports. He is a Sports Management graduate and has been a hospitality management intern at sports events. Harshdeep calls himself an 'NBA jockey' whose love for basketball knows no bounds. From the thunderous slam dunks to the strategic plays, he has always been captivated by the electrifying world of the NBA. With an encyclopedic knowledge of teams, players and historic moments, his passion for this ball game extends far beyond 'casual' fandom. Whether analyzing game stats or engaging in spirited debates about MVP candidates, Harshdeep's enthusiasm can be contagious. Harshdeep has also been a promotional manager for Football games, a commentator and a volunteer technical manager at tournaments. He has been a sports geek since childhood. During his days in a coordinated uniform set, all he wanted was to be a professional athlete who could represent his country. Through his positive mindset, he did not let a lack on the physicality-front become a hurdle and suffocate his dreams of being involved in the sports industry. His fine knowledge of sports such as of the NBA, Football and F1 paved his way, which he plans to stick to without deviation. Harshdeep has represented his school at zonal level U-14 and U-19 tournaments, he has been a club captain for 3 years and obtained a Silver Medal for discus throw at a zonal level U-19 athletics meet. He also attended a strategy conference at the La Liga headquarters in Madrid, Spain. When not balling himself, Harshdeep likes to be engaged in photography and other physical activities, including roaming in the beauty of nature. He is also a gaming enthusiast.

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Edited by

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Aayush Kapoor

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