Brazilian Oscar Schmidt, a basketball player who held the world record for points scored and who turned 68 this month in the city of São Paulo, passed away this Friday according to the family. Schmidt competed in five Olympic Games throughout his career, where he also holds the scoring record with 1,083 points.
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Schmidt was admitted to a hospital after feeling sudden discomfort at his home, according to the specialized portal Lance! and confirmed by his press office. Although the causes of death were not disclosed, the athlete had been battling a brain tumor for 15 years. In addition to the family, the Brazilian Confederation has also issued a statement to honor the player. “One of the greatest names in basketball history and a legend of the Brazilian Olympic Movement. Oscar held the Brazilian record for Olympic basketball appearances, competing in five consecutive Olympic Games and becoming the only athlete to surpass the 1000-point mark in the history of the competition,” the note reads.
Oscar Schmidt has passed away, an unforgettable legend, capable of scoring 49,973 points in an extraordinary career.
Rest in peace, Holy Hand 🖤
📸 @basquetebrasil pic.twitter.com/bbstriPCnC
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— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) April 17, 2026
Nicknamed Holy Hand, he was key in winning gold at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, when Brazil defeated the United States in the final, and in winning bronze at the 1978 World Championship in the Philippines. Although he competed most of his life in Brazil for clubs like Palmeiras or Flamengo, Schmidt also played for Italian Juvecaserta (1982-1990) and Forum Valladolid (1993-1995). In 2013, the Brazilian was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the USA alongside other sports legends.
