Joe Wolf, a former captain for UNC basketball under legendary coach Dean Smith before playing in the NBA, died Thursday.
The Milwaukee Bucks made the announcement Thursday night on their social media accounts, saying the organization is “deeply saddened by the unexpected passing” of Wolf, who was 59.
“Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player across the NBA. His well-regarded talent was instrumental for the Bucks and Herd over eight years with the organization, including as a player and coach,” the Bucks wrote.
“… We send our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends. The Bucks and (Wisconsin) Herd will always be grateful to Joe for his hard work and commitment to our organization. He will be missed.”
A three-time state champion at Kohler High School in Wisconsin, Wolf was a high school All-American selection in 1983 before joining the Tar Heels. He was named Wisconsin’s greatest high school basketball player by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2005.
Across his four seasons at UNC, Wolf was a part of 115 wins, including a pair of Sweet 16 appearances and two Elite Eight berths. The 6-foot-11 center, who was a co-captain alongside Kenny Smith in the 1986-87 season, finished his career with 1,231 points and 707 rebounds.
An All-ACC selection as a senior in 1987, Wolf was recognized as UNC’s Most Outstanding Senior. He also secured the Carmichael-Cobb Award as the team’s outstanding defensive player and the Jimmie Dempsey Award as the team’s overall statistical leader.
The No. 13 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1987 NBA Draft, Wolf went on to play for seven teams across 11 years in the the league before becoming a coach. He was most recently an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate.
Before becoming a coach in the NBA and G League, including a stop with the Greensboro Swarm, Wolf spent time as an assistant at William & Mary and UNC Wilmington.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
