Back in the day, well before Sam Dekker made waves on the court, Sheboygan County had its own basketball hero in Joe Wolf. Milwaukee Tech’s long-time coach, Win Parkinson, once described him as “one of the most complete players” he had ever seen. From captaining Dean Smith’s squad at North Carolina to a solid 11-year NBA career, this former Orlando Magic star’s journey was one for the books, both as a player and a coach.

However, recently the basketball community was hit with a wave of sadness when the Milwaukee Bucks announced that Joe Wolf had passed away at the age of 59. The Bucks remembered him fondly, saying, “Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored, and dedicated coach and player across the NBA.” Let’s take a look at the impressive career of this basketball legend.

Joe Wolf’s early days

Wolf’s rise to stardom began in Kohler, Wisconsin, where he not only led his high school team to state championships in 1980, 1982, and 1983 but also became the state’s first McDonald’s All-American. His high school career was so impactful that, in a 2005 poll, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel named him the greatest high school basketball player in Wisconsin’s history.

As a junior, Wolf was unstoppable, scoring 34 points in the 1982 Class C final to secure a win for Kohler. His performance throughout that tournament was nothing short of legendary, setting records that still stand in the state’s Division 3 history. His scoring prowess made him the Kohler Blue Bombers’ all-time leading scorer.

Moving on from high school glory, Wolf’s desire to challenge himself led him to North Carolina, where he played under legendary coach Dean Smith. “I felt like I earned (the scholarship and accolades),” he once said. Four straight NCAA tournament appearances marked his time with the Tar Heels, and as a freshman, he even shared the court with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Reflecting on those days, Wolf joked, “I think I improved his game. Gave him a lot of confidence.”

After college, the NBA came calling, setting the stage for an 11-year pro career that further solidified his status as one of Wisconsin’s finest.

NBA journey

Joe Wolf’s NBA story began in 1987 when he was drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. The transition from college to the pros was a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly. “Every day I hit the court was extremely competitive,” Wolf once said. “The players in the NBA are the best in the world. Every player you faced was likely the player of the year in their conference in college and that level of talent makes you a better player.”

His journey through the NBA was anything but straightforward as he spent his first three seasons with the Clippers before making stops with the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers. His time with Charlotte and Orlando highlighted his ability to adapt and contribute to different teams. After a second stint with Denver, he wrapped up his career back in Charlotte. Despite the constant moves, his versatility and work ethic kept him in the league for 11 years.

Although Wolf never cemented himself as a consistent starter, he still left his mark. Over 592 games, he averaged 4.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per game. Unfortunately, Wolf’s NBA playing days came to an end in 1999 due to a dislocated elbow. But, as he put it, “That injury ended my playing career, but it began my coaching career.”

Wolf’s coaching career

“I was told if you’re going to be a coach, you have to learn how to coach,” Wolf recalled. He took that advice to heart, starting as an assistant for his brother at Kohler High School. From there, his path took him to the collegiate level as an assistant at William and Mary during the 2003-04 season. But it wasn’t long before he found himself at the helm, leading the Idaho Stampede in the CBA for two seasons.

Interestingly, his time at North Carolina with legendary coach Dean Smith left an indelible mark on his coaching style. “I learned under Coach Smith his coaching philosophy, but even more important he helped us grow and be fine young men,” Wolf said.

His next step was a return to the NBA, joining the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant under Scott Skiles for five seasons. He then spent time with the Brooklyn Nets under Lionel Hollins, further solidifying his reputation as a knowledgeable and respected coach. In 2018, he took on a new role at UNC-Wilmington as an assistant under C.B. McGrath, all thanks to his connections in North Carolina.

“I asked coach (Roy) Williams if he had an opening on his staff, but he hooked me up with C.B.,” Wolf said. Though it had been almost 15 years since he last coached at the collegiate level, he adapted quickly. “It’s different rules at a different level, but it’s still coaching the same game and getting the same skills imparted onto the players,” he explained.

Wolf’s coaching career saw him lead several developmental teams before he landed back with the Milwaukee Bucks organization as an assistant for the Wisconsin Herd. Even at the time of his passing, his dedication to the sport and to nurturing young talent remained unwavering.