Wolf was just 59 years-old
The basketball community was struck with a harsh blow yesterday, as Joe Wolf, a former Bucks player, broadcaster, and assistant coach for both Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Herd, passed away at 59 years old. Wolf was a staple of Wisconsin basketball, with Wolf growing up and playing for Kohler High School, leading them to three state titles. Through his heroics, he was named the greatest Wisconsin high school basketball player ever by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2005. Wolf would go on to become a team captain at the University of North Carolina under head coach Dean Smith. After a twelve-year career in the NBA, including one year with the Bucks in 1996, Wolf spent the next 25 years coaching across college, the G-Leauge, and the NBA. His longest stint as a coach was with the Bucks from 2008–13 under Scott Skiles and Jim Boylan.
The Bucks released the following on Twitter to announce Wolf’s passing:
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 26, 2024
After leading the Tar Heels with Kenny Smith to a pair of Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight appearances, Wolf was drafted No. 13 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1987 NBA Draft. Wolf became a journeyman over his career, playing for seven teams in twelve seasons, including a pit stop in his home state of Wisconsin in the 1996–97 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. After playing just three games in the 1998–99 season with the Charlotte Hornets, Wolf retired from the NBA.
Following his playing days, Wolf began his coaching journey as an assistant at William and Mary College in 2003. Wolf would spend the next 21 years coaching between the NBA and D League/G League, finding his way back to Milwaukee as an assistant under Skiles during the Brandon Jennings era with the Bucks. After spending three seasons as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets, Wolf spent three more seasons coaching in the G League, including a head coaching stint with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s affiliate. Before his tragic passing, Wolf came back to Wisconsin one more time last season as an assistant coach with the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate of the Bucks.
Many around the NBA community, including former Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke, weighed in their thoughts about Wolf:
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.