(Photo: 1996 Getty Images)
Brazilian and international icon, Oscar Schmidt, the “Holy Hand”, is known for his victorious trajectory marked by records, achievements and a legacy that inspires generations.
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Check out 14 important facts about Mão Santa’s career:
Highest scorer of all time:
With 49,737 points scored in his career, Oscar surpasses even NBA star LeBron James. A milestone that places him as one of the greatest players in the history of world basketball.
Hero of the 1987 Pan:
He led the Brazilian team in the unforgettable victory over the United States in the final of the Pan American Games, breaking a 36-year American unbeaten run. A feat that forever marked national sport.
Basketball Revolutionary:
The historic victory at the 1987 Pan American Games popularized the 3-point line on the international scene, influencing the style of play to this day. A fundamental contribution to the evolution of basketball.
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Hall of Fame Member:
In 2013, Oscar received well-deserved recognition as one of the greatest players in history when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
NBA:
Despite being drafted in 1984, Oscar chose not to play in the American League. He later participated in an All-Star Game in New York.
Five Olympics:
A record among basketball players, Oscar was present at Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996.
Biggest basket at the Olympicss
Even without medals, Oscar holds the record for points scored at the Games, with 1,093. A feat that demonstrates his contribution to Olympic basketball.
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Emotional farewell
In 1996, after Brazil was eliminated by the USA in the quarterfinals of the Olympics, Oscar received a bow from the American players.
Club World Champion
In 1979, playing for Sírio, Oscar was instrumental in winning the world title against Bosna Sarajevo.
Biggest foreigner in the Italian league
With 13,957 points scored in eleven years, Oscar became an idol in the country and holds the record for foreign players.
Bronze at the World Cup
In 1978, at the beginning of his career, Oscar was part of the Brazilian team that won bronze at the World Cup in the Philippines. A milestone that places him among the great names in world basketball.
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Two-time Brazilian champion
Oscar lifted the Brazilian Championship trophy with Palmeiras in 1977 and Corinthians in 1996.
Accurate free throws
According to the former player’s official website, Oscar made 196 consecutive free throws in a training session with the national team, an unofficial world record that proves his precision and technique.
Inspiration for Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, considered one of the best players in the NBA, always declared that Oscar Schmidt was his greatest idol.
