Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest international players in basketball history and a member of both the FIBA (2010) and Naismith Memorial (2013) Hall of Fame, died Friday at age 68, according to Mauricio Savarese of The Associated Press.
His family said the 6-foot-8 forward battled a brain tumor for 15 years “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.”
Selected by the Nets in the sixth round of the 1984 draft, Schmidt never played in the NBA, choosing instead to represent Brazil internationally at a time when players couldn’t do both.
“The biggest player of Brazilian basketball history bids farewell as an absolute symbol of sport, the holder of a trajectory that redefined the boundaries of what was possible in a court,” the Brazil Basketball Confederation said. “His death closes an era. But his greatness remains.”
Schmidt, who retired in 2003 at 45, was known as “Mão Santa” (Holy Hand) and remains one of basketball’s most prolific scorers, highlighted by his 46-point performance against the United States in the 1987 Pan American Games final.
Brazilian Legend Oscar Schmidt Dies At 68 https://t.co/MtCADfaoeX pic.twitter.com/7KWYEN8c7T
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 17, 2026
