Former college basketball star and ex-Nets G-League affiliate assistant coach Mike Babul passed away at the age of 47 after suffering a heart attack.
Babul was a legendary college basketball player in Massachusetts, eventually going to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he spent four years and was known as a top defensive player.
He averaged just 3.7 points per game in his four years at UMass but was named to three Atlantic-10 Conference All-Defensive Teams.
“We mourn the passing of UMass alum Mike Babul,” the UMass basketball X account said. “Babul was a true Massachusetts basketball legend on the court, serving as a positive force in his community and on many sidelines as a coach.”
Head coach Mike Babul talks to the Thayer Academy boys varsity basketball team on April 5, 2024. Thayer AcademyThe 1995-96 high school Gatorade Player of the Year at North Attleboro joined coach John Calipari at UMass and was one of his favorites as a star defensive player.
Babul leaves behind his twin brother, Jon Babul, who played college basketball himself at Georgia Tech.
Mike Babul dunking on Zach Marbury during a game in 2000. MediaNews Group via Getty ImagesGreat photo of the late Mike Babul playing during his days at UMass.
— Tyler Hetu (@TheTylerHetu) December 31, 2024
Look at that defense on some guy on Kansas named Paul Pierce. pic.twitter.com/sa0ARCrMoI
Upon graduating from UMass, Babul immediately jumped into coaching, starting at the high school ranks before working his way up to associate head coach at Wagner University in 2015.
Babul also worked as an assistant coach for the Long Island Nets, where he worked with longtime friend Shaun Fein.
At the time of his death, Babul was the head coach of Thayer Academy in Braintree, Mass.
Twin brothers Mike and Jon Babul at their press conference announcing college basketball plans, Jon at Georgia Tech and Mike at UMass Boston Globe via Getty Images
Mike Babul wearing Brooklyn Nets gear. He was an assistant coach for their G-League affiliate.
Mike Babul was an independent basketball trainer before he passed due to a heart attack. hoopwork.netThe school began the season 5-1, but the tragedy of his death surely changes the emotions around their campaign.
Babul is survived by his fiancée, Maria.
