Schmidt's professional career took off in 1974 when he joined the Brazilian club Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras. His performance there caught the attention of other teams, and he soon moved to Esporte Clube Sírio, where he played from 1978 to 1982. During his time with Sírio, Schmidt helped lead the team to victory in the 1979 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership skills.
In 1982, Schmidt made a significant move to Europe, signing with the Italian club Pallacanestro Cantù. His time in Italy was marked by his incredible scoring prowess. He played for several Italian teams, including JuveCaserta and Pavia, and became a fan favorite due to his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Schmidt's scoring ability was so prolific that he earned the nickname "Mão Santa," or "Holy Hand," for his shooting accuracy.
One of the highlights of Schmidt's career was his participation in the Olympic Games. He represented Brazil in five consecutive Olympics from 1980 to 1996, a testament to his longevity and skill in the sport. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Schmidt delivered one of the most memorable performances in Olympic basketball history. In a game against Spain, he scored 55 points, setting a record for the most points scored in a single Olympic game at that time.
Despite being drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the 1984 NBA Draft, Schmidt chose to continue playing internationally. This decision allowed him to maintain his amateur status and continue representing Brazil in international competitions, as professional players were not allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1992.
Schmidt's international career was not limited to the Olympics. He also played in numerous FIBA World Championships and Pan American Games, where he consistently ranked among the top scorers. His performance at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis was particularly noteworthy. Schmidt led Brazil to a stunning victory over the United States, scoring 46 points in the final game and securing the gold medal for his team.
Throughout his career, Schmidt was known for his scoring ability. He is recognized as one of the highest-scoring players in the history of basketball, with over 49,000 points in his professional career. This remarkable achievement places him among the top scorers in the sport, alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.
After retiring from professional basketball in 2003, Schmidt's legacy continued to influence the sport. He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, honoring his outstanding career and contributions to international basketball.
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