Michael Sweetney, the former Georgetown standout and NBA player who later became part of the Yeshiva University basketball program, has died at the age of 43. Sweetney died Wednesday at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Sweetney was selected ninth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2003 NBA Draft after a highly successful career at Georgetown. He spent four seasons in the NBA, playing for both the Knicks and Chicago Bulls, before continuing his basketball career overseas.

Following his playing career, Sweetney became involved in coaching and served as an assistant coach at Yeshiva University, where he became a respected figure within the basketball program and the broader Jewish community.

Yeshiva head coach Elliot Steinmetz paid tribute to Sweetney, describing him as a close friend and someone who consistently showed up for those around him. He also highlighted Sweetney’s connection to the Jewish community and his willingness to support others.

Sweetney’s connection to Israel was another meaningful part of his post-NBA life. In 2024, he traveled to Israel, where he spent time with athletes and offered encouragement and support.

His death has prompted tributes from Georgetown, the Knicks, the Bulls, Yeshiva University and many others who knew him both through basketball and his work in the Jewish community.

Mike was a very special person with a tremendous heart and love for Israel and the Jewish people. He will be missed.

🇺🇸🇮🇱 Zionists are eulogizing Former NBA player and Yeshiva University assistant coach Michael Sweetney for his rabid pro-Israel advocacy, including facilitating athlete trips to Israel and encouraging black Americans to support the IDF pic.twitter.com/rlQdZEbKEG

— HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) September 17, 2026

Statement from YU’s Coach Steinmetz:

“The world lost a giant today. 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.

The very first message I got after October 7th, 2023 was from Mike checking if I was ok. He knew I was in Israel.

A couple of years later, when Iran attacked Israel with ballistic missiles, the first message I got was from Mike. He knew my son, Noah was there and wanted to make sure he was ok.

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.

If you would like to assist the family, please feel free to reach out directly and I will give instructions.”

The world lost a giant today. 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… pic.twitter.com/mwRh9UQgjA

— Elliot Steinmetz (@elliotsteinmetz) September 17, 2026

RIP, my brother for life, Mike Sweetney. 🏀❤️

We shared such a unique bond that began in high school and lasted a lifetime. Your heart, kindness, and sensitivity were truly beyond this world.

I am absolutely heartbroken. Thank you for being such a dear friend. I will love you,… pic.twitter.com/cATOX5VJ13

— Tamir Goodman (@TamirGoodman) September 17, 2026