Mike Sweetney, Former NBA Player and Georgetown Star, Dies at 43
Sweetney, who played four seasons in the NBA after a standout college career, passed away at age 43, his wife announced.
Michael 'Mike' Sweetney, a former college basketball standout at Georgetown University and a four-season veteran of the NBA, has died at the age of 43. His wife, India Sweetney, announced his passing on social media, describing him as her "best friend."
No cause of death has been officially released. Sweetney last played professionally in 2017 and had been serving as an assistant coach at Yeshiva University in New York since 2019.
"With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael," India Sweetney wrote on Facebook. "To know Mike Sweetney was love to him. No one loved him more and he loved no one more than his family. His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible. He's been my best friend for 30 years and my husband for almost 20. I'm not sure what we or I will do without him. He was the best son, brother, family member, friend, father and husband ANYONE could ask for. We appreciate every call and text of love and support. We just asked that right now You give us all a little time before you start to reach out because it's been pretty overwhelming. Thank you and God bless."
Elliot Steinmetz, the head coach at Yeshiva University, also shared a statement mourning Sweetney's death.
"The world lost a giant today," Steinmetz wrote of the 6-foot-8-inch retired power forward. "I lost a close friend. The basketball world lost a beloved star. Our Jewish community lost an ally and someone who knew exactly how to show up. 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."
Steinmetz recounted Sweetney's consistent support, including checking on him during the October 7th, 2023 terrorist attack in Israel and when Iran attacked Israel with ballistic missiles, as well as his involvement in charity events for troubled teens and dedication to Yeshiva's student-athletes.
"He was there for our student-athletes at Yeshiva University day in and day out, regardless of his other responsibilities and jobs. His dedication to mental health awareness and his willingness to share his story for the benefit of others was the work of a selfless human being with a huge heart. Mike - we love you and we will miss you. Thanks for everything."
Sweetney's college career at Georgetown was marked by his physical presence and scoring ability. After being drafted by the New York Knicks in the 2003 NBA draft, he played for the Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings, averaging 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game over 255 career regular-season contests.