Oscar Schmidt, one of basketball's all-time leading scorers, dies at 68

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. – International basketball is in mourning following the death of Oscar Schmidt, considered one of the best scorers in the history of the sport, who died at the age of 68, according to his family. In a statement, his relatives reported that the former player fought for 15 years against a brain tumor "with courage, dignity and resilience", remaining an example of determination and love for life. Nicknamed "The Holy Hand," Schmidt is widely recognized as the best player who never played in the NBA, despite having been selected in the 1984 draft by the New Jersey Nets. The Brazilian chose to continue his career in Europe and with the national team, prioritizing his international participation. His statistical legacy is impressive: he holds the historical record for points in the Olympic Games with 1,093 units and in the FIBA World Cup with 906. In addition, he is among the top scorers in the history of professional basketball, surpassed only by LeBron James. Schmidt was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying a career that spanned nearly three decades, from his professional debut at age 16 to his retirement at 45. Great basketball figures highlighted his talent. Larry Bird defined him as one of the best scorers of his time, while Kobe Bryant pointed to him as one of his main influences in his formative years. Among his most memorable performances is the record of 55 points in an Olympic game during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He also led Brazil to a historic victory over the United States in the 1987 Pan American Games, where he scored 46 points in the final after a memorable comeback. Schmidt represented Brazil in five Olympic Games and four World Cups, also being one of the flag bearers in the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Considered the best Brazilian basketball player of all time, his legacy transcends figures and titles, leaving an indelible mark on the history of world sport.