Joe Wolf, a former North Carolina captain for Dean Smith who went on to play for seven teams in an 11-year NBA career before becoming a coach, died unexpectedly Thursday, the Milwaukee Bucks announced.
Wolf, an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd — the Bucks’ G League affiliate — was 59.
“Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player across the NBA,” the Bucks said in a release announcing Wolf’s death. “His well-regarded talent was instrumental for the Bucks and Herd over eight years with the organization, including as a player and coach.”
Wolf was a high school All-American in 1983 before joining the Tar Heels to play alongside the likes of Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins. Wolf was a co-captain for the Tar Heels as a senior in 1986-87, sharing that role with Kenny Smith.
North Carolina went 115-22 in Wolf’s four seasons, making the Sweet 16 twice and the…