Daijiworld Media Network - Sao Paulo

São Paulo, Apr 18: Brazilian basketball great Oscar Schmidt, regarded as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport, passed away at the age of 68.

Schmidt breathed his last after being hospitalised in the São Paulo metropolitan region following illness linked to a prolonged battle with a brain tumour, according to reports.

A Hall of Fame inductee in 2013, Schmidt enjoyed a distinguished professional career spanning nearly three decades, playing in Brazil and Europe before retiring in 2003 at the age of 45.

He represented Brazil in five Olympic Games and four FIBA World Cups, setting all-time scoring records in both tournaments. Over his career, he also amassed an unofficial total of 49,737 points for club and country, a record that was later surpassed by LeBron James in 2024.

Widely admired for his scoring ability and longevity, Schmidt remains one of Brazil’s most iconic sporting figures.