The basketball world mourns the untimely passing of Joe Wolf, former NBA player, coach, and high school basketball legend from Kohler, Wisconsin.
Wolf, aged 59, is believed to have died from a heart attack. The Milwaukee Bucks, where Wolf was an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, announced his passing on September 26. Wolf’s contributions to basketball, both on and off the court, have left a significant impact, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin.
Wolf’s basketball career started in Kohler High School, leading his team to three state championships in 1980, 1982, and 1983. He garnered national attention for his skills and was named a high school All-American in 1983. “With his size and skills, he was the best I’ve seen,” said Win Parkinson, a veteran coach from Milwaukee, in a 2005 interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Following high school, the 6’11” Wolf played for the University of North Carolina under the famed coach, Dean Smith. During his four years there, he shared the court with basketball greats like Michael Jordan and Kenny Smith. In his senior year, 1986-1987, Wolf was named co-captain for the Tar Heels and was also included in the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team. Wolf’s tenure saw North Carolina reaching the Sweet 16 twice and the Elite Eight twice, with an outstanding 115-22 record.
The Los Angeles Clippers picked Wolf as the 13th overall selection in the 1987 NBA Draft. His 11-year NBA career saw him playing for seven teams, including the Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Milwaukee Bucks. His stint with the Bucks brought him back to his home state, further enhancing his legendary status.
After retiring from playing, Wolf began his coaching career in the college circuit, holding positions at William & Mary and UNC Wilmington. He also served as head coach in the NBA’s G League, leading teams like the Idaho Stampede, Colorado 14ers, and Greensboro Swarm. In 2023, he went back to Wisconsin as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd, where he had previously worked for a number of years. The organization released a statement expressing their sorrow over his passing, describing him as a “highly respected, adored, and dedicated coach and player across the NBA.”
Wolf’s influence extended beyond his basketball career. He was known for his dedication to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He held great enthusiasm for sharing the valuable lessons he learned from Dean Smith and other mentors. In a 2018 interview, Wolf reflected on how his training started when he arrived on campus, highlighting how Smith ingrained the right habits in him.
In Wisconsin, Wolf’s legacy is unmatched. A 2005 poll by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel voted him as the greatest high school basketball player in the state’s history. Both those who saw him play and those he coached remember his contributions to the sport with great fondness. As one fan recalled, “He had a heck of a following and a heck of a career. I just look at him as one of the most complete players I’ve ever seen.”
Wolf is survived by his family, friends, and the numerous players he mentored throughout his career. His contributions to basketball, as both a player and a coach, cement his status as a sports icon.
