Oscar Schmidt, known to his fans as simply “Oscar,” became Brazil’s most renowned basketball player over a career spanning 26 years. He appeared in five Olympic Games, during which he became one of the highest scorers in the history of Olympic basketball. During the Pan American Games in 1987, Oscar lead Brazil’s national team to topple the American team from a long winning streak in a 120-115 victory.

Although he was drafted in 1984 by the New York Nets, Oscar remained as a key player in his native Brazil through his entire career, sailing long shots and three pointers through the hoop with legendary ease. In 2003, Oscar announced his retirement from the sport in which he became his country’s greatest player.