Manute Bol, 47, a giant among even NBA stars and a towering symbol of hope in his native Sudan, died Saturday morning.

The former 76ers center died at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, where he was being treated for acute kidney failure and a skin disease, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Mr. Bol, who at 7-foot-7 could be an intimidating defensive presence on the court, was also known for his humanitarian efforts in Sudan. He founded Sudan Sunrise, a group based in Lenexa, Kan., working to end oppression in Sudan.

"Sudan and the world have lost a hero and an example for all of us," Tom Prichard, executive director of the group Sudan Sunrise, said in an e-mail obtained by the Associated Press.

I remember when he first came to the country I saw an article about him, he went to a school in Bridgeport, CT and the first time he attempted a LAY UP, he was so tall that he knocked out a bunch of teeth ON THE RIM! I also remember hearing a story that as a rite of passage, he actually killed a lion w/a spear. He was never the greatest player, but he was a presence and a person of character which most of the current NBA players sadly lack. He will be missed on many different levels.