The Milwaukee Bucks announced that Joe Wolf, former captain of North Carolina’s Dean Smith, played for seven teams in the league NBA for an 11-year career before becoming head coach. He died unexpectedly at the age of 59.
Before taking over as head coach of the G League’s Greensboro Swarm in 2018, Wolf served as an extended assistant head coach. He also served as an assistant coach on the team during his career The G League’s Wisconsin Herd.
“Off the court, Joe was a beloved brother, uncle, friend and community leader,” he said Bucks further. “We offer our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends. The Bucks and Herd will always be grateful to Joe for his tough work and commitment to our organization. He will be missed.
Joe Wolf attended American High School in 1983 before joining the Tar Heels to play alongside the likes of Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins. In 1986–87, he was co-captain of the Tar Heels as a senior, sharing that role with Kenny Smith.
Wolf played at UNC from 1983 to 1987, averaging 9.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 55.1% from the field. His best season was his senior year, when he averaged 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals in 34 games and was named first-team All-ACC.
People’s reaction to Joe Wolf’s death
Yesterday was an incredibly melancholy day for basketball and an even sadder day for those of us who were lucky enough to know Joe off the court.
Beno Udriha
(@BenoUdrih1) September 28, 2024
I was truly saddened to learn of the death of former Kohler basketball star @UNC Tar Heel – and former @Bucks AND @WisconsinHerd assistant coach Joe Wolf. Such a nice man, gone much, much too soon. Apparent heart attack, aged 59. Deepest condolences to the family.
Doug Russell
A melancholy day for @UNC_Basketball family. Joe Wolf has died. Great Tar Heel – I played all four years! Great career at UNC… long game in the NBA… great to see him as an assistant for Ukraine at EuroBasket 2013 in Ljubljana. He died far too soon at the age of 59. RIP
(@JeffreyNTaylor) September 27, 2024
It’s a good sign that all these fans are in Joe Wolf’s thoughts. People may not have been alive to witness this man play, but they admire him as a person, not just a basketball player.
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