Michael “Mike” Babul, an American basketball coach and former standout player, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 47. Born on November 25, 1977, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Babul’s life was marked by significant contributions to basketball both on and off the court.
Playing Career
Babul attended North Attleboro High School, where he excelled in basketball, earning recognition as a fourth-team Parade All-American in 1996. He chose to play college basketball at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) over other offers, including one from UConn. At UMass, Babul was a four-year letter winner and a three-year starter from 1996 to 2000. Known for his defensive prowess, he was selected to the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Defensive Team three times and was also recognized for his academic achievements.
Coaching Career
After his playing days, Babul transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant at Seekonk High School in 2002. He held assistant coaching positions at Youngstown State and Drexel before joining the Wagner Seahawks in 2012. At Wagner, he was promoted to associate head coach in 2015. In 2019, Babul became an assistant coach for the Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets. Most recently, he served as the head coach of the South Shore Monarchs of The Basketball League.
Personal Life
Babul’s twin brother, Jon Babul, also pursued a basketball career, playing for Georgia Tech. The Babul brothers were well-known in basketball circles for their talents and contributions to the sport.
Mike Babul’s dedication to basketball, both as a player and a coach, left a lasting impact on the communities he was part of. His commitment to the game and to mentoring young athletes will be remembered by many.
