Mike Sweetney, the former Georgetown standout who became the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, has died at 43. His wife, India, announcing his death on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,\u201d she wrote, adding that Sweetney had been her best friend for 30 years and her husband for almost 20. \u201cHis children were the light of his life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo 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\u2019s been my best friend for 30 years and my husband for almost 20. I\u2019m 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,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.<\/p>\n
Sweetney built his reputation at Georgetown, where his physical presence and scoring ability made him one of the Big East\u2019s standout forwards in the early 2000s. Over three seasons, he averaged 18.2 points and 9.2 rebounds while shooting 54.4% from the field, according to Sports-Reference. He earned All-Big East honors twice and left Georgetown after his junior season to enter the NBA draft.<\/p>\n