Joe Wolf, a renowned high school basketball figure from Kohler, Wisconsin, and ex-NBA player and coach, died at the age of 59, presumably from a heart attack. The Milwaukee Bucks, where Wolf had functioned as an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, reported his passing on September 26. His remarkable endeavors both on and off the court left a significant imprint on the game, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin.
Wolf’s basketball career started at Kohler High School, where he guided his team to state championships in 1980, 1982, and 1983. His skill on the court earned him national acclaim, resulting in his selection as a high school All-American in 1983. “With his size and skills, he was the best I’ve seen,” declared Win Parkinson, a veteran coach in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during a 2005 conversation with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Wolf proceeded to play for the University of North Carolina after high school under the tutelage of the legendary Dean Smith. During his four-year tenure at college, Wolf shared the court with some of basketball’s most distinguished players, including Michael Jordan and Kenny Smith. He was nominated as a co-captain for the Tar Heels in his senior year (1986-1987) and made it to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team. During Wolf’s tenure, North Carolina twice made it to the Sweet 16 and the Elite Eight, amassing an impressive 115-22 record.
The Los Angeles Clippers picked Wolf as the 13th overall choice 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 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, amplified his legendary status in his home state.
After retiring as a player, Wolf shifted to coaching, initially at the college level at William & Mary and UNC Wilmington. He also assumed head coaching duties in the NBA’s G League, overseeing teams like the Idaho Stampede, Colorado 14ers, and Greensboro Swarm. In 2023, he returned to Wisconsin as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd, a position he held for several years. The organization issued a statement mourning his demise, labeling him as a “highly respected, adored, and dedicated coach and player across the NBA.”
Beyond his basketball career, Wolf was admired for his dedication to coaching and nurturing young athletes. He was consistently eager to impart the valuable lessons he learned from Dean Smith and other mentors. In a 2018 interview, Wolf highlighted how his training started when he arrived on campus, emphasizing the valuable habits instilled in him by Smith.
In Wisconsin, Wolf’s legacy is unmatched. He was voted the greatest high school basketball player in Wisconsin history in a 2005 poll conducted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Both his play and coaching were fondly remembered by spectators and the players he coached. A fan remembered, “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’s family, friends, and the numerous players he mentored throughout his career survive him. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and a coach, affirm his status as a sports icon.