The college basketball world is in mourning following the shocking death of Mike Babul from a heart attack at the age of 47.
Babul is a legend of Massachusetts basketball after his time as a player, and he went on to coach in the Brooklyn Nets organization.
At the time of his death Monday, he was head coach at Thayer Academy and had also recently taken charge of the South Shore Monarchs in The Basketball League.
Tributes immediately poured in on social media, with UMass Men’s Basketball posting: “Babel was a true Massachusetts basketball legend on the court, serving as a positive force in his community and on the sidelines as a coach.”
Local reporter Kevin McNamara added, “Just horrific news about the sudden passing of Mike Babul of Attleboro.
“A legendary local hoopster and star at UMass, but I knew Mike as a sweet person who loved coaching and the game. And he loved fun. What a loss at just 47 years old.”
The Sun Chronicle first reported Babul’s cause of death, sharing news of a heart attack on Monday.
More to follow.