College Basketball Icon Passes Away Unexpectedly

The college basketball world is reeling after the unexpected passing of Mike Babul, a beloved coach and former player, who died from a heart attack at the age of 47.

Babul, a Massachusetts basketball legend, was serving as the head coach of Thayer Academy’s boys’ team, where he had quickly made his mark. In just his second season, he led the Tigers to an impressive 5-1 record heading into the holiday break. Known for his dedication and passion for the game, Babul’s impact on the New England basketball community extended far beyond the court.

Great photo of the late Mike Babul playing during his days at UMass.

Look at that defense on some guy on Kansas named Paul Pierce. pic.twitter.com/sa0ARCrMoI

— Tyler Hetu (@TheTylerHetu) December 31, 2024

A standout athlete during his own playing days, Babul excelled at North Attleboro High School before continuing his career at UMass. His skills and leadership earned him recognition as one of the state’s most iconic basketball figures. Transitioning from player to coach, he brought his expertise to various levels of the sport, including a stint with the Brooklyn Nets organization.

In addition to his role at Thayer Academy, Babul had recently taken the reins of the South Shore Monarchs in The Basketball League, continuing to shape young talent and foster a love for the game.

“We mourn the passing of UMass alum Mike Babul,” UMass men’s basketball said in a statement. “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.”

We mourn the passing of UMass alum Mike Babul.

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 #Flagship🚩 pic.twitter.com/vF9ZO1HdzS

— UMass Men’s Basketball (@UMassMBB) December 31, 2024

“He had a magnetic personality,” recounted Bobbi Moran, Thayer’s athletic director. “He did everything with gusto and passion. He loved the game of basketball. He loved being around basketball. He loved coaching kids of all ages and all ability levels. He turned our program around; he took what Mike Jones had built and elevated it to the next level. Those boys would walk through fire for him. They loved him deeply and he loved them deeply,” Moran told The Patriot Ledger.

We send our sincere condolences to the family of Mike Babul, who passed away in late December.

Babul was a member of the Wagner College men’s basketball family from 2012 to 2019, and helped the Seahawks secure the program’s first ever NIT victory. pic.twitter.com/igA07UX2Sw

— Wagner Men’s Basketball (@Wagner_MBB) December 31, 2024

“He had sent out an email just before the holidays saying how much he appreciated working with us at Thayer and how grateful he was to be there and how it was one of the greatest joys of his life. He used to say, ‘This is my dream job.’ I’m so sad for our boys. I’m so sad for our families, our community. And I’m so eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and his coaching staff. He is a legend and he’s going to be sorely missed,” Moran finished.

In 1995, Babul decided to attend UMass instead of UConn, where he became a significant presence on the basketball team. From 1996 to 2000, he was a three-year starter and earned four varsity letters. His performance on the court led to his selection for the A-10 Conference All-Defensive and All-Academic Teams three times.

Babul transitioned to coaching and joined the Wagner Seahawks’ staff in 2012, eventually being promoted to associate head coach in 2014. On September 20, 2019, he advanced further in his coaching career by becoming the assistant coach for the Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, continuing in this role through the subsequent season.