Tragic Loss for Basketball community: Former Bucks Star Passes Away at 59!
Wolf was just 59 years-old
The basketball community faced a heartbreaking loss yesterday with the passing of Joe Wolf, a former player for the Bucks, broadcaster, and assistant coach for both Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Herd, at the age of 59. A Wisconsin basketball legend, Wolf grew up in Kohler, where he led his high school team to three state championships and was named the greatest Wisconsin high school basketball player of all time by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2005. He went on to serve as team captain at the University of North Carolina under the legendary Dean Smith. After a 12-year NBA career, including a season with the Bucks in 1996, Wolf devoted the next 25 years to coaching in college, the G-League, and the NBA. His longest coaching tenure was with the Bucks from 2008 to 2013 under coaches Scott Skiles and Jim Boylan.
The Bucks shared the news of Wolf’s passing on Twitter:
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 26, 2024
After helping lead the Tar Heels alongside Kenny Smith to two Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight appearances, Joe Wolf was selected as the 13th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1987 NBA Draft. Throughout his 12-season career, Wolf became a journeyman, playing for seven different teams, including a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1996–97 season in his home state of Wisconsin. He played just three games in the 1998–99 season with the Charlotte Hornets before retiring from the NBA.
Following his playing career, Wolf began coaching as an assistant at William and Mary College in 2003. He devoted the next 21 years to coaching in the NBA and D League/G League, returning to Milwaukee as an assistant under Skiles during the Brandon Jennings era. After three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Wolf spent an additional three years coaching in the G League, including a head coaching role with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s affiliate. Tragically, before his untimely passing, Wolf returned to Wisconsin last season as an assistant coach with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate.
Many in the NBA community, including former Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke, shared their thoughts on Wolf’s legacy:
Devastating news today
with the passing of former Bucks player and coach Joe Wolf.
He was a great fill-in TV partner on Bucks broadcasts. Enjoyed every game with Joe.
Condolences and prayers to his family and friends.
Joe’s laugh is forever.— Jim Paschke (@Paschketball) September 27, 2024
We here at Brew Hoop send our condolences to the Wolf family and everyone who called Joe a friend and colleague.