Oscar Schmidt, one of basketball’s greatest international players, passed away on Friday at the age of 68 after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest, following a long battle with a brain tumour.

The Brazilian legend, known as “Mao Santa”, built a legacy that included five Olympic appearances and a Hall of Fame career that inspired generations across the sport.

Among those inspired was Kobe Bryant, who grew up admiring Schmidt and eventually shared a moment with him during his playing career.

Former Los Angeles Lakers director of sports performance Judy Seto shared a story on X that highlighted the mutual admiration between Bryant and Schmidt.

She reposted a 2013 image originally shared by Bryant, where he posed alongside the Brazilian icon with the caption: “Me and Oscar. One of my childhood idols.”

Adding context, Seto reflected on the moment and its significance.

“I remember this trip to Brazil. Kobe was still rehabbing after his Achilles surgery and was able to spend time with his idol, Oscar Schmidt, who just passed away. The conversation lasted into the evening with dinner with Oscar and his wife. Fond memories,” she wrote.

The story underlined Schmidt’s influence on players far beyond Brazil, including one of the NBA’s most iconic figures.

Schmidt’s impact was defined by moments that shaped international basketball.

One of the most famous came in the 1987 Pan American Games final, where Brazil faced the United States on home soil.

Despite trailing by 20 points, Schmidt led a remarkable comeback, scoring 46 points, including 35 in the second half, to secure a 120-115 victory.

The result marked one of the rare defeats for the USA in major tournaments and cemented Schmidt’s legacy as a global basketball icon.

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