FORMER NBA star Scot Pollard has undergone a successful heart transplant.

The 49-year-old basketball center received a donor earlier this week and went under the knife on Friday.

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Former NBA star Scot Pollard has undergone heart surgeryCredit: Getty

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The 49-year-old needed a heart transplant for a genetic conditionCredit: Getty

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Pollard’s wife Donna revealed Scot’s new heart is a ‘perfect fit’Credit: Twitter/DawmMPollard
Pollard spent 11 seasons in the NBA and was a college basketball star for the University of Kansas Jayhawks.

He fell ill in 2021 after contracting a virus that triggered a genetic heart problem, per ESPN.

The same condition killed his father aged just 54.

Pollard’s wife Dawn has been keeping fans up to date with his health journey over recent months.

She revealed Friday’s surgery appeared to be a resounding success and would be “forever grateful” to the donor.

“Scot has a new heart! Surgery went well and I’ve been told the heart is big, powerful and is a perfect fit!” Dawn wrote.

“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.”

She later posted a video on X of the basketball star standing up hours after the procedure.

“Not even 12 hours post heart transplant and he is standing! We are all amazed at his progress! Keep it going!” added Dawn.

Pollard tops out at an impressive 6-foot-11 and tips the scales at 260 pounds.

Finding a donor who could accommodate his large frame has proved difficult for doctors.
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The former NBA center has been in intensive care at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, since February 7.

He had told the Associated Press it gave him his “best shot of getting a heart quicker.”

Pollard was a first-round pick for the Detroit Pistons in 1997.

He spent the majority of his 11-year NBA career as an effective bench player, averaging 4.4 points per contest from over 500 games.

Pollard won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics during his final year in the league in 2008 and was renowned for his unique hairstyles.

He also played for the Sacramento Kings, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Indiana Pacers.

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The 6-foot-10 star was standing up just hours after surgeryCredit: Twitter/DawmMPollard