Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports:

Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver picked up the team option in coach Alvin Gentry’s contract for the 2011-12 season.

The performance of Gentry’s team to make the playoffs last season already had guaranteed a portion of that season’s salary. Picking up the team option guarantees another portion but half of his $2.15 million salary for that season remains subject to whether there is a lockout once the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in July 2011…

Gentry still ranks among the lowest paid coaches for the coming season at $1.95 million, which is less than the $2.5 million Terry Porter will receive from Phoenix for being a fired coach. Suns GM Steve Kerr had advocated picking up Gentry’s option and adding a year to the contract.

The AP reports:

Manute Bol, a lithe 7-foot-7 shot-blocker from Sudan who spent 10 seasons in the NBA and was dedicated to humanitarian work in Africa, died Saturday. He was 47.

Bol died at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, where he was being treated for severe kidney trouble and a painful skin condition, Tom Prichard, executive director of the group Sudan Sunrise, said in an e-mail.

“Sudan and the world have lost a hero and an example for all of us,” Prichard said. “Manute, we’ll miss you. Our prayers and best wishes go out to all his family, and all who mourn his loss.”

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski, on the passing Manute Bol:

“On behalf of the entire Philadelphia 76ers organization, we would like to pass along our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of Manute during this very difficult time.

“Manute’s impact on this city, our franchise and the game of basketball cannot be put into words. He was a person who was continually giving of himself through his generosity and humanitarian efforts in order to make the world around him a much better place, for which he will always be remembered.”

The Boston Herald reports:

President Barack Obama yesterday congratulated Lakers coach Phil Jackson and his team on winning the NBA championship for the second year in a row.

Obama also congratulated Jackson on winning his 11th championship as a head coach.

The White House said Obama told Jackson in a telephone call that the series between the Lakers and the Celtics  was great and worthy of the rivalry between the two teams. Obama said he looked forward to congratulating the players in person at the White House.