The family said in a statement that Schmidt battled a brain tumor for 15 years “with courage, dignity and perseverance”, remaining a role model of determination, generosity and love of life.
Schmidt never played in the NBA, but in his native Brazil he was adored for his sacrifice for the national team.
He started his professional career in 1974, and spent most of his career playing for Brazilian and Italian clubs.
He played for Brazil in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1980 to 1996, setting a record for the number of points scored. He was also a key player in Brazil’s victory over the United States in the 1987 Pan American Games final.
He is the best scorer in the history of the Olympic Games with more than 1,000 points, and he was also the best scorer of the Olympic tournaments in 1988, 1992 and 1996.
Schmidt still holds the record for points in a single Olympic game — 55 points against Spain in 1988 — as well as the World Cup record, when he scored 52 points against Australia in 1990.
He was admitted to the Hall of Fame in 2010, and seven years later to the Italian Hall of Fame.
After his career ended, Schmidt worked as a motivational speaker, often speaking about his battle with a brain tumor, as well as his love for Brazil and basketball.
(Vijesti.ba)
