Entering the 2019 NBA Draft, Bol Bol was expected to be a lottery pick. Some draft experts even projected him to go as high as No.3 behind Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett before he suffered a season-ending foot injury at Oregon.
The 2018 McDonald's All-American ended up getting drafted 44th overall by the Miami Heat. He's played for three teams in five seasons and has looked nowhere near the unicorn that he was projected to be before his injury.
Despite that, NBA Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson believes that Bol can still make it big in the NBA. But that's if he's willing to grab the opportunity and make the most out of it.
"Bol Bol is an elite talent," said Sampson during last week's 12th annual Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic. "I played with Bol Bol’s father, Manute, and he didn’t have the same talent that his son has. He can change the game if he wants to, but he’s gotta want to get it done, and you gotta have that grit."
First-hand difference between Manute and his son
Ralph and Manute were two of the tallest players in the NBA during the 80s and 90s. Sampson entered the NBA two years earlier, but they ended up having their share of battles on the court. The two also ended up becoming teammates in Golden State during the 1988-89 NBA season.
Unlike Manute, Bol is more athletic and definitely more skilled. However, with younger Bol, it has never been about the talent. Rather, people have questioned his drive and willingness to push himself so he can reach his full potential. For Sampson, it's not just in the attitude but also his style of play.
"He can’t just settle for the 3," added Sampson. "And Wembanyama can’t just settle for the 3 when the game’s on the line. You gotta find your niche and you gotta make it to the basket, you gotta score. And that’s what the learning development of the game should be. It’s gonna take some years to do that, but if they can do it and put the work in, they’ll be really good.”
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Shaq has been pushing Bol since the start
Like Sampson, Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal has been telling Bol to grab it by the throat. In fact, Shaq has been trying to push Manute's son ever since he arrived in the league. Earlier this year, the Diesel advised Bol to improve his performance and attitude if he wants to make it big in the NBA.
"My advice to Bol Bol is act like you want it," said Shaq. "Some people just get happy to be here. You are either happy to be here or you want to make a difference. Or you want to be the difference…I urge you people to keep it going. Like all you youngsters out there. You want to go viral, and you go viral on Monday. But what are you going to do on Tuesday? On Wednesday? I'm happy for you; you're getting paid, your dreams just finally came true, but it's always more."
Although he played just 10.9 minutes per game for the Suns last season, Bol registered the best Per36 minutes average of his career at 17.1 PPG and 10.5 RPG. He also shot a career-high 61.6% from the field. Hopefully, the better numbers and advice from his dad's ex-teammate will finally wake up the sleeping giant inside the unicorn.
Related: Ralph Sampson believes Victor Wembanyama's low-post game would be a game changer: "If he did, it would be a different ball game"
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