Basketball legend Joe Wolf passes away unexpectedly at the age of 59
Basketball fans were left crushed last week after legendary former coach and player Joe Wolf died suddenly at the age of 59. His cause of death has yet to be announced.
According to the Daily Caller, news of Wolf's passing was revealed on social media this past Thursday by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bucks remember Wolf for being "highly respected, adored, and dedicated"
"The Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Herd are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Herd assistant coach and Kohler native Joe Wolf," the team said in a statement.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 26, 2024
"Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player across the NBA," it continued.
The team noted how Wolf's "well-regarded talent was instrumental for the Bucks and Herd over eight years with the organization, including as a player and coach."
Wolf played for seven different teams before becoming a coach
The Bucks also made a point of stressing that "[o]ff the court, Joe was a beloved brother, uncle, friend and community leader."
"We send our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends. The Bucks and Herd will always be grateful to Joe for his hard work and commitment to our organization. He will be missed," the team went on to add.
The Daily Caller explained that after graduating from the University of North Carolina, Wolf's playing career spanned from 1987 to 1999 and involved wearing seven different team jerseys.
He was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers before going on to play for the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Following his retirement from the court, Wolf served as a coach at the high school, college, CBA, NBA G League, and NBA level, eventually becoming the Bucks' assistant coach.
Wisconsin Herd head coach calls Wolf "an amazing human being"
Tributes to Wolf quickly appeared online, including from former Wisconsin Herd head coach Beno Udrih, who praised the veteran athlete for being "my mentor, my family and most importantly, an amazing human being."
"Yesterday marked an extremely sad day for basketball, and an even sadder day for those of us fortunate enough to know Joe off the court as well," Beno declared.
"Words can’t describe how horrible I'm feeling about your passing," he lamented. "I knew you for over a decade but it feels like I knew you my whole life."
