Former Men's College Basketball Star Dead Suddenly At 47

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Dec 31, 2024 1:34 PM ET

Former UMass men's basketball player and longtime college basketball assistant coach Mike Babul has died. He was 47.

A star at North Attleboro High School in Massachusetts, Babul was named Gatorade Player of the Year and Massachusetts High School Coaches Association Player of the Year for the 1995-96 season. He went on to play four years at UMass, where he was a three-time All-Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection and helped the Minutemen earn a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.

"We mourn the passing of UMass alum Mike Babul. Babul was a true Massachusetts basketball legend on the court, serving as a positive force in his community and on many sidelines as a coach," UMass basketball said in a statement Tuesday.

After beginning his coaching career at the high school level in 2002, Babul jumped into the collegiate ranks at Youngstown State in 2004-05. He also had stints on staff at Drexel (2005-06) and Wagner (2012-19) before working as an assistant with the Long Island Nets in 2019-20.

9 Dec 1998: Forward Mike Babul #23 of the UMass Minutemen in action against guard/forward Richard Hamilton #32 of the UConn Huskies during the game at Mullins Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. UConn defeated UMass 59-54. Mandatory Credit: M. David Leeds /AllsportM. David Leeds/Getty Images

At the time of his death, Babul was the head coach at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts.

"We are saddened to hear about the loss of Thayer Academy coach Mike Babul. Loved by so many in the region for his hard work and dedication to coaching, he will be missed by all," said the New England Recruiting Report X/Twitter account.

"NE hoop community lost a great one tonight. The player, the coach, but to think about the immense impact he had on countless people around the game… I’m at a loss. Love to all those in his circle. RIP Mike Babul," added Matt Brewer of the Middlesex Magic Basketball Club.

Babul's twin brother Jon also played high-major college basketball at Georgia Tech. He is survived by his fiancée Maria.

We'd like to extend our condolences to Babul's family and friends in the high school and college basketball communities. May he rest in peace.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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