A respected figure in Massachusetts basketball circles leaves behind a legacy of coaching and mentorship that spans decades.
According to Daily Mail, Mike Babul, a former University of Massachusetts basketball standout and Brooklyn Nets organization coach, passed away on Monday after suffering a heart attack at the age of 47.
At the time of his death, Babul served as head coach at Thayer Academy and had recently taken the helm of the South Shore Monarchs in The Basketball League. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues and players.
UMass Men's Basketball expressed their grief through social media, highlighting Babul's impact both on and off the court.
Local reporter Kevin McNamara described him as more than just a talented athlete, emphasizing his dedication to coaching and his positive personality:
Just horrific news of the sudden passing of Attleboro's Mike Babul. A legendary local hoopster and star at UMass, but I knew Mike as a sweet person who loved to coach & the game. And he loved fun. What a loss at just 47.
Babul's influence extended beyond his playing days, as he co-founded a coaching company called 'Hoop Work' with his brother Jon, focusing on developing basketball talent in New England.
Before his role at Thayer Academy, Babul had established himself in professional basketball circles through his work with the Brooklyn Nets organization. He served as an assistant coach for the Long Island Nets, the organization's G-League affiliate, working alongside head coach Shaun Fein for two seasons until 2020.
His coaching philosophy emphasized skill development and mentorship, traits that made him particularly effective in working with young athletes. These qualities were evident in his approach at both the professional and amateur levels.
At the time of his passing, Babul was building a life in Plymouth with his fiancee Maria Rocci and her sons, Andrew and Thomas, demonstrating his commitment to family alongside his professional pursuits.
Babul's sudden passing has highlighted the profound impact he had on Massachusetts basketball. His journey from UMass player to respected coach and mentor exemplifies the positive influence one individual can have on their sport and community.
His work with Hoop Work showed his dedication to grassroots basketball development, while his experience with the Nets organization demonstrated his ability to coach at the highest levels. This combination made him a unique figure in New England basketball.
Babul's passing represents a significant loss to the local and professional basketball communities, particularly given his ongoing contributions to player development and coaching.
Mike Babul's untimely death at 47 has left a void in the Massachusetts basketball community, where he served as coach and mentor. His passing on Monday from a heart attack cut short a career dedicated to developing young talent and advancing the sport he loved. The basketball community, from UMass to the Brooklyn Nets organization and beyond, continues to honor his memory through tributes and testimonials to his positive influence on and off the court.
