Manute Bol understood the challenge he faced when he decided to move from Sudan to the United States. At the age of eighteen, Bol quickly realized that if he planned to survive in the United States he would have to learn English. With a tough language barrier to overcome, Bol was tempted to return home. Surrounded by good friends and teammates, Bol was able to adjust to a new language and culture in a few years.

“It was very hard for me,” said Bol. “I almost went back home because I didn’t speak English. The American people were very good and they helped me a lot. When I came to the league, my English was not as good but I tried to joke around with people, talk to people a lot, and I watched and listened to the news. I learned from TV, I learned from friends and my teammates.”

Bol was happy he stayed after he overcame the language barrier. If Bol had returned to Sudan he wouldn’t have any NBA memories to recall. During his time in the league, Bol set some outstanding records. Bol blocked 397 shots during his rookie season and holds the all time NBA record for the most blocked shots per minute. One of Bol’s proudest moments was with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“The time I blocked four shots in less than thirty seconds against Orlando,” Bol recalled. All the years I played in the league were very good. I played with the best, like Chris Mullin, then here (in Philadelphia) with Charles (Barkley) and Johnny (Dawkins).”

In June of 2004, Bol was injured in a car accident while riding in a taxi. Bol suffered major injuries including three broken vertebrae in his neck, which resulted in the loss of movement in his hands. With support friends and former teammates, Bol made it though rehab. Since the accident, Bol has not been able to do much work for the Sudanese community.

“I am happy to be alive. I thought I was going to die. My people prayed for me. I made it. I think God is great, so how can I be mad.”

Despite his injuries, Bol is still an admired activist for his country, Sudan. After his NBA career, Bol established the Ring True Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to raising money for Sudanese refugees and for Sudan’s schools and clinics.

“We are trying to raise some money to get a school and a clinic for my country. It’s been very hard since I got hurt. It’s hard to raise money. It is my dream to get some schools, good education and clinics for our people. I have done a lot for the community and my country. I lost the use of both of my hands in the car accident so I don’t do anything anymore like teach my kids how to play basketball.”

With his basketball days behind him, Bol is focused on applying his determination in his life professional life.

“I want to teach kids and help them out. I want to go home some day and help kids out playing not only basketball but also volleyball and soccer.”

Until then, Bol has a family to focus on. Married with six children in Hartford, Conn., Bol hopes that one of his children will follow in his footsteps.

“One (of my sons) is 6-foot-7 and 16 years old. I also have a little one that is six years old that wants to play basketball. I hope that some day they can play.”