Berlin, 18 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Brazilian basketball legend Oscar Schmidt died on Friday at the age of 68, the G1 news portal said, citing a statement from the family.

Schmidt felt ill and was taken to a hospital. The family didn't disclose the cause of death.

"It's with deep regret that we announce the passing of Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest names in the history of world basketball and a figure of huge human and sporting significance. For over 15 years, Oscar faced his battle against a brain tumour with courage, dignity, and resilience, remaining an example of determination, generosity, and love for life," the statement read.

In 2011, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He underwent surgery, but the disease persisted. In 2022, he stated that he had stopped chemotherapy treatment by his own choice. After the repercussion, he clarified the situation and said that he was cured.

Schmidt, nicknamed Mão Santa (Holy Hand), had a brilliant career and was among the main figures responsible for popularizing the basketball in Brazil.

He competed in five Summer Olympics but never won a medal. His biggest achievements with the Brazil national team include bronze at the 1978 World Cup and gold at 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis - when they defeated top favourites United States.

Schmidt's list of individual achievements, however, is a long one. He was named one of the world's 50 greatest players by international ruling body FIBA in 1991. In 1997, he received the Olympic Order, the highest award of the Olympic Movement.

He was considered the all-time leading scorer in the history of basketball, with 49,973 career points scored, until LeBron James broke this record in 2024.

Schmidt is also the top scorer in basketball in the history of the Summer Olympic Games (1,093 points) and the only player to have scored more than 1,000 points at the Games.

Photo: EPA