Basketball Community Mourns the Loss of Joe Wolf, Former Player and Coach, at 59

Joe Wolf, a prominent figure in basketball known for his roles as a player and coach, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59. The Milwaukee Bucks announced his death, noting that Wolf was serving as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd, the team’s G League affiliate, at the time. His influence in the NBA was highlighted by the Bucks, who recognized his dedication and the positive impact he had on many players throughout his career.

Wolf’s basketball journey began as a high school standout, where he was named an All-American in 1983. He then went on to play for the University of North Carolina, joining an elite roster that included future NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins. As a senior in the 1986-87 season, he co-captained the Tar Heels, contributing to a stellar record of 115 wins against only 22 losses. Under his leadership, the team made significant tournament appearances, including reaching the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.

After college, Wolf was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the 13th overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. Over an 11-year career, he played for seven teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, and the Milwaukee Bucks, which marked a return to his home state. As a skilled 6-foot-11 center and forward, he concluded his collegiate career with a total of 1,231 points and earned recognition as an All-ACC player.

Upon retiring from professional basketball, Wolf transitioned to coaching, drawing on the foundational skills imparted by his former coach Dean Smith. He took on various coaching roles, serving as an assistant at William & Mary and UNC Wilmington, as well as a head coach in the G League with Idaho, Colorado, and Greensboro. His commitment to developing young talent culminated in his recent appointment as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd in 2023.

Wolf’s impact extended beyond his collegiate and professional achievements; he was also celebrated as one of Wisconsin’s greatest high school basketball players. He led Kohler High School to three state championships and was recognized in 2005 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as the state’s top high school player ever. Joe Wolf’s legacy as a dedicated player and coach has left a lasting mark on the basketball community, and he will be fondly remembered for his contributions to the sport.