Manute Bol enjoyed an unconventional upbringing compared to the average NBA player. Born into the Dinka tribe of the Nile Valley region of Africa, Bol watched over his family's cattle as an adolescent, and once killed a sleeping lion with a spear after it attacked his cows. He also reportedly traded 80 cows for his wife's hand in marriage, proving that the NBA attracts players from all manner of backgrounds and nationalities. Despite arriving with little knowledge of English, he quickly became beloved by the media and teammates for his intelligence and kindness.
