More than 20 years ago, Leo Papile invited me to the Shelburne Center to watch Manute Bol try out for some CBA coaches. Afterwards, we all went to some after-hours places that Leo knew, and Manute flabbergasted the various junior-varsity wiseguys who were hanging out there. It was clear from that moment that Bol was, as they used to say, a man of parts and of substance. His size always made him stand out, but he was never a freak.

He had his career, and then he spent the rest of his life, and all of his money, trying to do all the good he could in one of the worst places in the world. He died, God rest his formidable soul. I am proud to have known him.

UPDATE -- Put him in the Hall of Fame now. Today. I don't want to hear a single argument against this, because every one of them is shallow and stupid. If you don't agree, read this.