Joe Wolf, former North Carolina basketball star and long-time NBA coach, passed away unexpectedly at 59, as announced by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Then Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Joe Wolf in 2016 Carlos Osorio AP

Wolf, who was serving as an assistant coach for the Bucks’ G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, had a storied career in basketball as both a player and a coach.

“Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored, and dedicated coach and player across the NBA,” the Bucks said in a statement, acknowledging his eight years with the organization, both as a player and a coach.

Wolf‘s basketball journey began in high school, where he was an All-American in 1983 before joining the North Carolina Tar Heels under legendary coach Dean Smith.

At North Carolina, he played alongside Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins, and in his senior year (1986-87), he served as co-captain with Kenny Smith.

During his four seasons, the Tar Heels reached the Sweet 16 twice and the Elite Eight twice, and Wolf left the program with 1,231 career points and an All-ACC selection in 1987.

Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the 13th pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, Wolf went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, representing seven teams, including Denver, Charlotte, Orlando, Portland, Boston, and Milwaukee.

North Carolina’s Joe Wolf (24) is stopped by Villanova players Gary McLain (22) and Harold Jensen (32) at NCAA Southeast Regional finals in1985

Return to Wisconsin

He returned to his home state of Wisconsin, where his legendary high school career at Kohler High School included leading the team to three state championships.

In 2005, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel named him the greatest high school basketball player in Wisconsin history.

Following his playing career, Wolf transitioned to coaching, starting as an assistant at William & Mary and UNC Wilmington.

He later became a head coach in the G League and served as an NBA assistant with Milwaukee and Brooklyn before returning to the G League with the Wisconsin Herd in 2023.

Joe Wolf‘s unexpected passing has left a significant void in the basketball world, where he was cherished for his contributions and leadership both on and off the court.