Michael “Mike” Sweetney, the former Georgetown basketball standout who played four seasons in the NBA, has died at 43, his wife announced on social media.
No cause of death was disclosed. Sweetney, who last played professionally in 2017, had served 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,” his widow, India, wrote on Facebook. “To know Mike Sweetney was to love 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 expressing love and support. We just ask that you give us all a little time before reaching out, as it has been overwhelming. Thank you, and God bless.”
Sweetney’s most recent social media post came on July 12, when he shared a photo of himself with his three children at the family’s favorite ice cream parlor. “Always will be my babies,” he wrote in the Instagram caption.
Sweetney’s final social media post, shared on July 12, showed him with his three children at the family’s favorite ice cream parlor
Sweetney’s widow, India, announced his death on Facebook alongside a photo of their family
Yeshiva University head coach Elliot Steinmetz is pictured with Mike Sweetney, who had been an assistant coach at the school since 2019. Sweetney’s playing career ended in 2017
A native of Washington, DC, Sweetney rose to national prominence during his Georgetown career from 2000 to 2003. After legendary coach John Thompson retired in 1999, the Hoyas initially struggled to maintain their standing. But with Sweetney and center Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje anchoring the paint, Georgetown advanced to the regional semifinals of the 2001 NCAA Tournament before losing to Maryland.
The New York Knicks selected Sweetney with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Conditioning problems hampered his career, and the Chicago Bulls released him after the 2006-07 season. He later received a summer league invitation from the Boston Celtics in 2009, but spent the remainder of his professional career overseas, primarily playing in Latin America.
Elliot Steinmetz, Yeshiva’s head coach, paid tribute to Sweetney in an emotional social media statement.
“The world lost a giant today,” Steinmetz wrote of the 6-foot-8 former 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.”
Former Georgetown star Mike Sweetney, who played four seasons in the NBA, has died
The Knicks’ 2003 draft picks Slavko Vranes, Mike Sweetney and Maciej Lampke pose together
Mike Sweetney is pictured in 2017 during his brief stint in the BIG3 3-on-3 league
Steinmetz, who was in Israel during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack, said the first message he received was from Sweetney checking on his safety.
“He knew I was in Israel,” Steinmetz wrote.
“A couple of years later, when Iran attacked Israel with ballistic missiles, the first message I received was from Mike. He knew my son, Noah, was there and wanted to make sure he was okay.
‘When we would run a charity event for troubled teens, Mike would show up.
‘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.’
Steinmetz instructed anyone who wished to assist the family to reach out to him directly.
