Michael Sweetney, a legendary Georgetown big man who became a Knicks lottery pick, has died at the age of 43.
Sweetney’s wife, India Sweetney, announced his death on social media. He died Wednesday at a hospital in New Jersey, and no cause of death was given.
The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 17, 2026
Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/T071Ie4SnL
Sweetney rose to prominence in basketball circles as the latest in a long line of legendary Georgetown big men. In 2002-03, he averaged 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and was a finalist for the Naismith College Player of the Year award. Sweetney remains fifth all-time at Georgetown in career rebounds (887), seventh in career blocks (180) and ninth in career points (1,750).
Prayers to the family of Georgetown men’s basketball alum Michael Sweetney.
— Georgetown Hoops (@GeorgetownHoops) September 17, 2026
He will be missed - forever a Hoya.#HoyaSaxa pic.twitter.com/LgStmOw5Q5
Sweetney was selected No. 9 overall by the New York Knicks in 2003 and went on to play four years in the NBA with the Knicks and Bulls.
Our Bulls family extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Bull Michael Sweetney, who has passed away at 43. pic.twitter.com/UwXMTQ6cEt
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 17, 2026
Sweetney also played some in the Big3 after his NBA days. Most recently, Sweetney worked as an assistant coach at Division III Yeshiva University in New York.
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.
— Elliot Steinmetz (@elliotsteinmetz) September 17, 2026
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
