Former Georgetown University basketball standout, DMV basketball legend and NBA first-round pick Michael “Mike” Sweetney has passed away, according to an announcement from his wife, India Sweetney.
India shared the news on social media, remembering her husband of nearly 20 years as a devoted husband, father and family man.“With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,” she wrote. “His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible.”
Sweetney, a Washington, D.C. native, starred at Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, where he was named The Washington Post’s All-Met Player of the Year before continuing his career at Georgetown University.
The 6-foot-8 power forward played for the Hoyas from 2000 to 2003, averaging 18.2 points per game during his three-year college career. As a junior during the 2002-03 season, Sweetney earned All-American honors before declaring for the NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks selected Sweetney with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, a class that included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Sweetney spent two seasons with the Knicks before playing two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He later continued his professional career internationally.
Following his playing career, Sweetney became an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking publicly about his experiences with depression and grief following the death of his father early in his NBA career. He later worked in coaching, including as an assistant coach with the men’s basketball program at Yeshiva University.
Sweetney is survived by his wife, India, and their children. Memorial service information has not yet been publicly announced.
