JOE WOLF TRIBUTE

The Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Herd are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Herd assistant coach and Kohler native Joe Wolf in September 2024. Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and was a highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player across the NBA. His well-regarded talent was instrumental for the Bucks and Herd over eight years with the organization, including as a player and coach.

Joe’s career spanned more than 37 years, with 12 years as a player in the NBA and 25 years coaching at the college, CBA, NBA G League and NBA level, including as a Bucks assistant coach. Joe led Kohler High School to three state titles and in 2005 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel named him Wisconsin’s greatest high school basketball player ever. Joe was an All-ACC player at the University of North Carolina and made four NCAA Tournament appearances before being drafted as the No. 13 overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Off the court, Joe was a beloved brother, uncle, friend and community leader.

We send our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends. The Bucks and Herd will always be grateful to Joe for his hard work and commitment to our organization. He will be missed.

The Wisconsin Herd hosted a Joe Wolf Tribute Game on Monday, Dec. 16, one day before his 60th birthday. During the game, Herd players wore one-of-a-kind jerseys designed in Joe Wolf’s honor that were auctioned to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Oshkosh. The jerseys featured a special design that also featured Wolf as the last name. Throughout the night, video remarks were shared from Joe Wolf’s friends, teammates and coaches. Fans were encouraged to wear jeans to the game as Joe loved to wear jeans.