Manute Bol, a Sudanese-born American basketball player, remains one of the tallest men in NBA history. Known for his shot-blocking ability and towering presence, his height continues to fascinate basketball fans.
With an official height of 7ft 6 ¾ inches (230 cm), Bol dominated the court in ways few could. But how did his genetics, family history, and physique contribute to his stature? How does he compare to other NBA tallest players? This article takes a deep dive into Manute Bol’s height, weight, and family lineage, along with comparisons to other giants in basketball history.
Manute Bol’s Official Height
Manute Bol’s exact height was recorded as 7ft 6 ¾ inches (230 cm), making him one of the tallest NBA players ever. However, some sources rounded it up to 7ft 7 inches (231 cm), leading to occasional discrepancies in height listings.
How Does Manute Bol Compare to Other NBA Tallest Players?
| Player Name | Official Height | Wingspan | Weight |
| Manute Bol | 7ft 6 ¾ inches (230 cm) | 8ft 6 inches (259 cm) | 208 lbs (Underweight) |
| Gheorghe Mureșan | 7ft 7 inches (231 cm) | 7ft 10 inches (239 cm) | 303 lbs |
| Yao Ming | 7ft 6 inches (229 cm) | 7ft 5 inches (226 cm) | 310 lbs |
| Sun Ming Ming | 7ft 9 inches (236 cm) | 7ft 11 inches (241 cm) | 370 lbs |
| Neil Fingleton | 7ft 7 inches (231 cm) | Not Available | 320 lbs |
Bol’s height was verified by the NBA, unlike some other exceptionally tall players who never made it to the league.
Height Measurement & Discrepancies
- Some reports claim Bol stood at 7ft 7 ½ inches (232 cm), though NBA DraftExpress listed him at 7ft 6 ¼ inches (229 cm).
- Many comment section debates discuss whether he was closer to 7ft 7 or slightly shorter.
- Despite minor differences, Bol towered over most of his opponents and ranked among the tallest basketball players in history.
Manute Bol’s Growth and Genetics
Manute Bol was born into the Dinka tribe of Sudan, an ethnic group known for producing some of the tallest people in the world.
Height Within His Family
| Family Member | Height |
| Manute Bol | 7ft 6 ¾ inches (230 cm) |
| Father | 6ft 8 inches (203 cm) |
| Mother | 6ft 10 inches (208 cm) |
| Sister | 6ft 8 inches (203 cm) |
| Great Grandfather | 7ft 10 inches (Approximate) |
Bol’s great-grandfather was rumored to be one of the tallest men in recorded history, possibly reaching 7ft 10 inches. While no official measurements confirm this, it suggests that height ran deep in his lineage.
What Made Manute Bol So Tall?
Several factors contributed to Bol’s towering frame:
- Genetics: His parents were both exceptionally tall, making it likely he inherited dominant height genes.
- Pituitary Gland Function: Unlike some tall individuals who suffer from gigantism, Bol’s height was natural, not caused by a hormonal disorder.
- Dinka Tribe Statistics: The Dinka people have an average height significantly taller than most other populations.
Manute Bol’s Family Heights
Bol’s family produced multiple tall individuals, but his son, Bol Bol, is the most famous among them.
Bol Bol’s Height Compared to His Father
Bol Bol, a rising NBA player, stands at 7ft 2 inches (218 cm), slightly shorter than his father. Despite this, he has developed a more versatile offensive game, making him an exciting prospect in the league.
Manute Bol’s Wife’s Height
Manute Bol’s wife, Ajok Kuag, was around 5ft 10 inches (178 cm). While significantly shorter than Bol, she was still above average height for women.
Manute Bol’s Weight and Physical Build
At 208 lbs (94.3 kg), Bol was considered underweight for his height.
Why Was Manute Bol So Thin?
- Extreme Height: Taller players often have difficulty gaining muscle mass.
- Fast Metabolism: Bol’s lean frame meant he burned calories quickly.
- High Inseam: With an inseam of 49 inches, most of his height came from his legs, making it harder to develop a muscular frame.
Despite his low weight, Bol’s wingspan of 8ft 6 inches (259 cm) helped him block shots effortlessly.
Manute Bol’s Age and Life Span
Manute Bol was born on October 16, 1962, though some reports suggest 1960 as his birth year. He passed away on June 19, 2010, making him 47 or 50 years old at death.
Age at Death Confusion
- His birth year was never officially documented in Sudan.
- Some sources, including NBA DraftExpress, listed his birth as 1960, while others claim 1962.
Regardless of the exact year, Bol’s legacy remains timeless.
Manute Bol’s Cause of Death
Manute Bol tragically passed away due to kidney failure and complications from Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
What Led to His Death?
- He developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe reaction to medication.
- Prolonged kidney failure worsened his condition.
- He was undergoing medical treatment in Virginia at the time of his passing.
His death shocked the basketball world, but his contributions to Sudan, humanitarian work, and the NBA remain unforgettable.
Other Extremely Tall Basketball Players
Manute Bol isn’t the only giant in basketball history. Here’s how he compares to other legends:
| Player | Height | NBA Career |
| Robert Wadlow | 8ft 11 inches (272 cm) | Tallest man in recorded history |
| Suleiman Ali Nashnush | 8ft 0 inches (245 cm) | Tallest pro basketball player |
| Sun Ming Ming | 7ft 9 inches (236 cm) | Played in China, never NBA |
| Ming Yao (Yao Ming) | 7ft 6 inches (229 cm) | NBA Hall of Famer |
| Gheorghe Mureșan | 7ft 7 inches (231 cm) | Tallest NBA player in history |
Conclusion
Manute Bol remains one of the NBA’s tallest players ever, with a height of 7ft 6 ¾ inches (230 cm) and a wingspan of 8ft 6 inches (259 cm). His unique build, genetic background, and defensive dominance cement his place in basketball history.
From his great-grandfather’s towering height to his son’s rise in the NBA, Bol’s legacy lives on. His humanitarian efforts, shot-blocking records, and contributions to Sudan make him more than just a tall NBA player—he was a legend both on and off the cour
