Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer from Brazil, dies at 68

Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the “Holy Hand,” has died.

He was 68.

Schmidt’s family says in a statement that Schmidt fought a brain tumor for 15 years “with courage, dignity and resilience." The family adds that “Oscar leaves a legacy that transcends sport and inspires generations of athletes and admirers in Brazil and worldwide.” Schmidt never played in the NBA but he’s beloved in Brazil for committing to the national team. he played in a record-tying five consecutive Olympic Games and set scoring records that remain.

He also starred in an historic win against the United States in the final of the 1987 Pan-American Games.