‘Gift of life’: Former Kansas and NBA big man Scot Pollard undergoes heart transplant

Days after celebrating his 49^th birthday in a hospital bed while awaiting a heart transplant, former University of Kansas and Sacramento Kings big man Scot Pollard is getting the gift of life.

On Friday, Pollard’s wife, Dawn, took to social media to announce Pollard was preparing for surgery after receiving a donor. Photos showed her shaving his head and beard at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has been awaiting a new heart.

“Scot wanted me to let everyone know that the pre-heart transplant hair is gone, it’s go time!” Dawn tweeted. “Please keep the prayers coming for Scot, the surgeons, for the donor and his family who lose their loved one. This donor gave the most amazing gift of life and we are forever grateful.”

The news generated a new wave of love and support for Pollard, who will forever be a fan favorite in Sacramento after spending five years with the Kings during their glory days under former coach Rick Adelman.

“Prayers for the big guy here as Scott Pollard is about to undergo a heart transplant,” longtime Kings radio play-by-play announcer Gary Gerould tweeted. “Positive vibes to wife Dawn as well as peace and comfort to the donor’s family.”

Kansas fan Jeff Foster appealed to Pollard’s sense of humor, tweeting: “Holy cow, so amazing! Don’t watch any more KU hoops until that ticker is super strong! Prayers and Rock Chalk Scot!”

X user Mary Green Howle called on a higher power, tweeting: “Praise God! Lord, guide the medical team through the surgery and allow Scot’s body to accept this new gift of life. Console the donor’s family as they mourn and offer them your peace knowing the significance of their gift.”

Pollard’s wife provided an update later in the day, tweeting: “Scot has a new heart! Surgery went well and I’ve been told the heart is big, powerful and is a perfect fit! Now on to the crucial part of recovery. Thank you to everyone for the continued prayers and support, but most of all, deepest thanks to the donor, our hero.”

Pollard starred at Kansas from 1993-97 before the Detroit Pistons selected him with the 19^th pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft. Pollard played for the Pistons in 1997-98, the Kings from 1999-2003, the Indiana Pacers from 2003-06, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2006-07 and the Boston Celtics in 2007-08.

Pollard won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008, but his best years were in Sacramento. Pollard averaged 5.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game over five seasons with the Kings.

Pollard, known for his fiery spirit, colorful personality and creative hairstyles, was a part of five playoff teams under Adelman, including the team that reached the Western Conference finals in 2002. Pollard started 29 games that season, averaging 6.4 points and a career-high 7.1 rebounds.