This past week, a funeral service was held for Manute Bol at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The former University of Bridgeport standout and NBA player and humanitarian, was honored by more than 100 mourners that included political leaders, NBA officials and Bol’s family.
The column I wrote on Manute’s passing touched several nerves, including those of John O’Reilly, who was a guard on that 1984-85 UB team that went 26-6. After speaking about Bol on the phone, and fighting back the tears, O’Reilly later e-mailed me some more memories of Manute that I’d like to share:
“I know personally that the year he gave us in ‘84-‘85 was something that will never be forgotten for many, each day Coach (Bruce Webster) always reminded us of that and to a man we, ‘Got it.’ But it was more than that — the name Manute means “Special Blessing” and to me it is absolutely true, as he was a special person. Sure, that year was great and memories are priceless. Having been exposed to him was a blessing. He made me a better player but more importantly, he made me a better person.”
And this:
“My son who’s 9 knows the story of me giving up my (Number) 10 to Manute and has watched many UB videos of that year with Manute. After learning of the news, I was driving home from my daughters softball tournament and when I told him about Manute he was sad and quiet. After about 10 minutes he said to me, “You know, I was going to wear 33 or 17 or 12 (the numbers of Larry Bird, Chris Mullin, John Stockton) next year in basketball but I changed my mind. I’m going to wear 10.” On Sunday when he got up he put on his Warriors No. 10 Bol t-shirt in honor of Manute. So, it’s not just my generation he has touched, it’s the generation before and after and his legacy will live on to touch many more.”
These came from former UB manager and statistician Patrick O’Hara, who was at UB from 1982-85.
“I was one of those fortunate enough to meet Manute Bol and call him friend. His passing leaves our world an emptier place. I’m happy to have read your story. You may be done, but I thought I’d share some of my experiences. I’m a Masuk graduate and Bob Baroni was a history teacher/UB assistant coach at the time. He knew I did the (score) book for Masuk basketball and was their manager at the time. When he found out I was heading to UB, he introduced me to another Monroe resident, Bruce Webster. I had a job. I was the basketball secretary, team manager team statistician and whatever else Bruce or Bob asked me to do.
“I felt fortunate to have a new home at UB. In September of 1982 Webster had just brought in a large freshman class which included John O’Reilly, Emile Sella, Wandi Williams and Clarence Gordon. Ed Petrie and Chris Dickey were the team veterans. It was Division II basketball and while few had NBA plans, they played hard and the games were fun to watch. Sacred Heart vs. UB was always a highlight, but the games against Southern Connecticut, Quinnipiac and University of New Haven all had special moments for the team. Yet the rest of the world hardly knew some fine basketball was being played. Until Manute.
“I first saw Manute walking up University Avenue with a group of students taking a tour. He had such a long stride he invented the long way around a corner as to not outpace the group. Everyone liked Manute. Perhaps because he liked everyone. He always had a smile, even when he’d be giving you a ribbing. I can still hear him shouting, “TOO LATE!” in the Harvey Hubbell gym from the times he’d dare a player to shoot over him. When they’d hesitate, he’d charge out and swat the ball off toward Long Island Sound. Then he’d glare, smile and tell them they were too slow and had to be quicker. None of these episodes were followed by anything but team laughter.
“I was asked to help out with Manute on non-basketball things. Manute did not show up on campus like the local kids. No car full of personal stuff, furniture and appliances. I donated a small refrigerator for Manute to use. One thing we all tried to do was keep him eating to get his weight up. The refrigerator was normally full of his favorite food, chicken. When I had that refrigerator returned to me, it came complete with a Manute Bol autograph. He had carved his name in the side. Manute also needed help with school work. We were both taking Geology and so I volunteered to help tutor him. The geology course finished with a 100-rock identification test. Manute and I spent hours studying with the kit of rocks. I earned a 94 on the test and he earned a 97! He never missed an opportunity to remind me of this fact either.
“That year has left me with many great memories. There are many more that keep coming back. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years. Manute made everyone and everything he contacted better. It is a lesson I would hope we could all draw upon. The Park City has had little to boast since Manute Bol. Perhaps it would be nice if he could inspire one more good thing? I just wanted to share some thoughts about Manute.
I did not want his passing to go without saying something about someone so memorable 25 years later. Thanks for listening.”Thank you Patrick.
And this from old friend Bob Beslove:
“It is a wonderful tribute you wrote about Manute Bol. You truly touched on what this giant of a man was all about. You touched on the fact Bol always had a smile on his face and was quick to form a bond with people. No greater friend did he have than Arthur Yiotis, the late owner of Famous Pizza on lower Park Avenue near the Bridgeport campus.
“Bol only had a few teeth in his mouth when he arrived in town but UB basketball coach Bruce Webster knew just what to do. He took Bol over to see Arthur and in minutes Arthur drove Bol to his dentist. Yes, Arthur paid the entire bill and the bond formed that day was a wonderful to behold. Bol ate daily at Famous Pizza and besides eating pizza, he became fond of Arthur’s spaghetti.
“When Bol was playing with the Miami Heat I went with Arthur to game there and was sitting front row on the court when during warm-ups, Manute spotted Arthur on the other side of the floor. “Arthur, Arthur,” he shouted as he dashed to greet Arthur. A memory never to be forgotten.
Thanks Bob
