Is John Bol Related to Bol Bol? Multiple Sports Sources Confirm No Relation
Feb. 25, 2026 — In the basketball world — The question is john bol related to bol bol has surfaced repeatedly, but sports outlets confirm that UCF men’s basketball player John Bol is not related to NBA/G-League/PBA player Bol Bol, despite their shared surname and South Sudanese origins.
John Bol, a 7-foot-2 freshman forward/center, played for Ole Miss in the 2024-25 season before transferring to UCF. Hailing from Boma, South Sudan, via Overtime Elite, he has drawn comparisons due to his height and heritage. Bol Bol, standing 7-foot-3, is the son of the late NBA legend Manute Bol.
Persistent Confusion Over ‘Is John Bol Related to Bol Bol’
The inquiry is john bol related to bol bol stems from the commonality of the “Bol” surname among South Sudan’s Dinka tribe, as noted in social media discussions. No family connection exists, with all coverage debunking the notion.
“Ole Miss forward John Bol is not related to former NBA star Manute Bol.”
This direct statement from Yahoo Sports on Jan. 29, 2025 addresses the frequent mix-up.
OutKick echoed this in 2023 coverage, stating “John Bol has no relation to Manute Bol or Bol Bol.”
Confirmations from Recent and Historical Sources
A BroBible Facebook post on Jan. 4, 2026 clarified: even though John Bol shares the last name and South Sudan origin with Manute Bol, “they are not related.”
Sports Illustrated on May 12, 2023 reported: “Though 2024… center John Bol isn’t related to the late great Manute Bol or Orlando Magic center Bol Bol.”
Bol Bol’s family includes parents Manute Bol and Ajok Kuag, plus 10 siblings such as Madut Bol, who played college basketball at Southern University. No John Bol appears in records.
Why the Question ‘Is John Bol Related to Bol Bol’ Persists
Height similarities and tribal surname prevalence fuel speculation, but credible sources uniformly state no ties. Recent X activity on Bol Bol’s PBA play does not reference John Bol or relations.
