The basketball community is in shock. It was reported yesterday that Mike Babul, head coach at Thayer Academy, aged 47, has passed away. Just having taken over the position last year, Babul led the team to 13 wins and an above .500 record for the first time in a few years. This season as well, Thayer began strong with a 5-1 record, but the school’s basketball season has been put in limbo with this news.

The coach, who died of a heart attack, had well-wishers around the community who poured in with words of mourning on social media. Before becoming a coach, Babul was a star player at his hometown high school in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, under the legendary Don Johnson. The 1995-96 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, Babul was also on the Parade All-American team, recognized as one of the top 40 high school players in the country.

For most of his young career, Mike Babul played with his twin brother Jon, who went on to play at Georgia Tech and is now in the NBA, working with the Atlanta Hawks.

Hoops fans mourn the loss of Mike Babul

Known for his relentless defense and powerful motor on the court, Mike Babul was a star at UMass Amherst, earning an Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team honors three years in a row (1997–2000). The college also confirmed the coach’s passing on their X page, and soon after, rest in peace messages started pouring in for the well-loved Babul.

One wrote, “Horrific to learn of Mike Babul’s passing. One of the best defenders to ever don a UMass uniform. Drew the toughest assignments, including Paul Pierce. A great Massachusetts public school talent who kept his commitment after Cal left. Gone too soon. May his memory be a blessing.”

Another said, “Saddened by the loss of Mike Babul. Great coach better man! We had many battles at Five Star. Went to his practice in November. Learned a lot. Will be missed!”

Berkshire Eagle sports columnist Howard Herman wrote, “Hard to believe Mike Babul is gone. May his memory be a blessing.”

Aside from his current position, Babul was also an assistant at Youngstown State and Director of Basketball Operations at Drexel, spending one year at both places in the mid-2000s. He was also a Director of Basketball Operations at UTEP, spending four years there.

Justin Perron, Assistant Director of Athletics & Head Boys Basketball Coach, at St. Mark’s School, also said, “Devastating. Grew up idolizing the Babul brothers as people and players. Mike was always a great role model and I’ll miss the relationship we were building. He was doing it right, using basketball to maximize his impact on the world. Prayers to the Babul family and all affected.”

One fan said, “Incredibly sad news about Mike Babul. He trained my boys & their friends and they all looked up to him. After trainings he sometimes came in for a beer. Got to know him just a little bit but was apparent quickly what a great guy he was. Captivated a room. Rest Easy Mike.”

Matt Vautour, sports columnist for MassLive, said, “Saddened by the death of UMass standout & Massachusetts legend Mike Babul. I always looked forward to running into him and catching up over the years at his different coaching stops. Seemed like he’d found a niche at Thayer. Great guy. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Along with his brother Jon, Mike Babul ran the Babul Brothers Basketball Camp annually in North Attleborough, and the late coach was known fo his passion for teaching young athletes and inspiring their basketball dreams.

One wrote, “Very sad to hear the news of Mike Babul, North Attleboro legend, passed today unexpectedly. My thoughts and prayers are with Jon and your family 🙏❤️ Rest in Paradise 👼❤️”

Known as a basketball lifer, Mike Babul will always be remembered for his impact not just on the game but also on the lives he impacted, be it his peers or players. Rest in peace, Mike Babul.