Mike Sweetney, Former Knicks No. 9 Decide, Dies at 43

Former Georgetown standout Mike Sweetney, who was chosen ninth total by the New York Knicks in 2003, has handed away at age 43.

Mike Sweetney’s Wife Announces His Death

His spouse, India, introduced his demise Thursday in a Facebook submit. No reason for demise was introduced. India remembered Sweetney as a loving husband and father who put his household first. She stated he had been her finest good friend for 30 years and her husband for nearly 20.

“With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,” India wrote. “His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible.”

India later shared a GoFundMe with a $10,000 aim and requested for time because the household offers with the loss, NY Post reported.

“He was the best son, brother, family member, friend, father and husband ANYONE could ask for,” she wrote.

Sweetney first made his identify at Georgetown, the place he grew to become one of many college’s prime gamers. As a junior, he posted near 23 factors per recreation and earned a spot among the many finalists for the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.

The Knicks chosen the Washington native ninth total in a loaded 2003 draft. He spent two seasons in New York and confirmed enchancment in his second 12 months, averaging 8.4 factors and 5.4 rebounds per recreation.

Yeshiva Coach Mourns Mike Sweetney’s Death

Sweetney was traded to the Chicago Bulls after that season in a deal that introduced Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis to New York.

According to Mint, he performed two seasons in Chicago earlier than persevering with his profession abroad in China, Puerto Rico and South America. He retired from skilled basketball in 2017.

He later discovered a brand new position in basketball via teaching. Sweetney joined Yeshiva University in New York as an assistant coach in 2019. He additionally coached ladies basketball on the Ramaz School.

Yeshiva head coach Elliot Steinmetz described Sweetney as rather more than a basketball coach.

“The world lost a giant today. I lost a close friend,” Steinmetz stated on X. “Mike Sweetney wasn’t just a friend. He was family. When you needed him, he was there. Always. You didn’t even have to ask.”

Sweetney additionally spoke overtly concerning the struggles and nervousness he confronted after his NBA profession didn’t match the excessive expectations positioned on a prime draft choose in New York.

In June, he stated the Knicks had invited him to 3 video games in the course of the earlier season. The gesture meant loads to him.

“It means a lot,” Sweetney stated. “I didn’t have the career I could have had. But for them to have me back and welcome me with open arms.”