Last Updated on 2 hours ago by Vijay Kumar
Michael Sweetney, the former NBA basketball player and Georgetown University standout, has died at the age of 43. His death was announced by his wife, India Murray Sweetney, on September 17, 2026.
Michael Sweetney wrote on Facebook, “With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael. To know Mike Sweetney was love to 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 of love and support. We just asked that right now You give us all a little time before you start to reach out because it’s been pretty overwhelming. Thank you and God bless.”
According to the Associated Press and NBA.com, Sweetney died on Wednesday at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Georgetown University also acknowledged his death.
Sweetney was born on October 25, 1982, and became known for his career as a powerful forward at Georgetown before entering the NBA.
Michael Sweetney was married to India Murray Sweetney. In her tribute following his death, India described him as her best friend and husband and said that their children were the light of his life.
Reports state that Sweetney is survived by his wife, India, and their three children.
India’s public tribute focused on Sweetney’s dedication to his family and the deep loss felt by those closest to him.
Sweetney built his reputation at Georgetown University, where he played three seasons for the Hoyas. During his final two college seasons, he averaged a double-double. In the 2002–03 season, he averaged 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He finished his Georgetown career among the school’s leaders in points, rebounds and blocks.
His college success led the New York Knicks to select him No. 9 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. The draft class also included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.
Sweetney played two seasons with the Knicks from 2003 to 2005 before joining the Chicago Bulls, where he played from 2005 to 2007. Across four NBA seasons, he appeared in 233 games and averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
After his NBA career, Sweetney continued playing professional basketball internationally, including in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Uruguay. He later moved into coaching and joined Yeshiva University’s men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach in 2019.
Sweetney remained involved in basketball and became known for supporting conversations around mental health. His post-playing career included coaching and mentoring younger athletes.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.