North Attleborough Honors a Legend: Mike Babul’s Number 43 Retired

North Attleborough, January 21, 2026

North Attleborough High School will retire the No. 43 jersey of Mike Babul, honoring his legacy in Massachusetts high school basketball. This ceremony not only celebrates Babul’s achievements but also highlights the significance of character and mentorship in sports. Scheduled for January 20, the event reflects community pride with the jersey displayed permanently in Pickering Gymnasium. Babul’s dedication to youth development and his impactful coaching career have inspired many, ensuring his legacy endures in the lives of future athletes.

North Attleborough

North Attleborough Honors a Legend: Mike Babul’s Number 43 Retired

The spirit of competition, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the game of basketball will be celebrated in North Attleborough this January as the community gathers to honor one of its most cherished sons. North Attleborough High School is set to retire the No. 43 jersey of the late Mike Babul, a moment that transcends a simple athletic tribute to become a powerful affirmation of character, leadership, and the enduring impact of local sports in shaping young lives.

This upcoming ceremony is more than just a gesture of remembrance; it is a testament to the profound legacy Babul left on Massachusetts high school basketball and beyond. It highlights how athletic programs, when guided by individuals committed to personal growth and team excellence, foster a sense of community and pride that extends far beyond the final buzzer. The event underscores the value of hard work, sportsmanship, and the opportunities created through discipline, reflecting the best aspects of Boston area prep sports.

A Stellar Career Forged in North Attleborough

Mike Babul, who unexpectedly passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 47 due to a heart attack, was a formidable presence on the basketball court from his earliest days in North Attleborough. A graduate of North Attleborough High School’s Class of 1996, Babul was widely regarded as the most celebrated player in the school’s basketball history. His academic achievements were notable as well, as he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.

His high school career was marked by extraordinary performance, earning him the prestigious Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year award in the 1995-96 season. Babul also received national recognition, being named a Parade All-American alongside future NBA stars. He became the school’s all-time leading scorer, showcasing averages of 22.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists per game as a junior, and 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds as a senior. His talent was evident from a young age, often playing alongside his twin brother, Jon Babul, who also became a standout athlete.

From Minuteman to Mentor: Babul’s Collegiate and Professional Path

Babul’s journey continued at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he played for four years, from 1996 to 2000. He was a four-year letter winner and a three-year starter for the Minutemen. During his collegiate tenure, he earned a reputation for his tenacious defense, being selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team three times between 1998 and 2000. He also demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, earning a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team three times and serving as a co-captain of the Minutemen.

Following his playing days, Babul transitioned into an extensive and impactful coaching career, which spanned various levels of the sport. His collegiate coaching experience included roles at institutions such as the University of Texas at El Paso, Wagner College, the University of Memphis, the University of Kentucky, Auburn University, Drexel University, and Youngstown State University. He also contributed to professional basketball, serving as an assistant coach for the Long Island Nets, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets. Most recently, he took the helm as head coach at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts, leading the team to winning records during his tenure.

“Be the Teammate You Would Want”: A Legacy of Youth Basketball Development

Beyond his impressive playing and coaching resume, Mike Babul’s true impact resonated through his dedication to developing young athletes. His personal motto, “Be the teammate you would want,” encapsulated his philosophy of fostering collaboration, accountability, and mutual support. This principle guided his approach to mentoring and coaching, emphasizing that true success comes not just from individual skill but from collective effort and strong character.

Babul was the owner of “Hoop Work, LLC,” a youth basketball training organization that aimed to provide athletes across New England with opportunities to enhance their skills. His training methods focused on optimal development, promoting efficiency, and instilling a strong work ethic as the cornerstone of success. He also directed the Metro West Swarm AAU basketball program. Through these initiatives, Babul influenced thousands of young players, with over 75 of his coached athletes eventually playing professional basketball. His twin brother, Jon Babul, continues this mission through “2nd Half Hoops,” a program founded in Mike’s honor to carry forward his values of brotherhood, mentorship, and legacy.

The Ceremony: A Community Unites for North Attleborough High School Sports

The jersey retirement ceremony for Mike Babul’s No. 43 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Pickering Gymnasium. This special event will take place between the varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball games, which are both rivalry matchups against Attleboro High School. The girls’ game is set to begin at 5:30 PM, with the ceremony anticipated around 7:00 PM, followed by the boys’ game at 7:30 PM. Organizers expect a standing-room-only crowd, reflecting the widespread desire to celebrate Babul’s impact. The framed jersey will be permanently displayed in Pickering Gymnasium and will eventually move to the new high school facility.

This event serves as a powerful demonstration of school pride and community engagement. Local sponsorships and strong fan turnout for events like these not only honor individuals but also strengthen the identity of the entire community. Such gatherings provide opportunities for current student-athletes to witness the lasting impact of dedication and integrity, reinforcing the values that North Attleborough athletics strive to uphold. The creation of the Michael Babul Memorial Fund, supporting educational scholarships, youth basketball program tuition assistance, coaching education, and heart health awareness, further extends his legacy by directly benefiting future generations.

An Enduring Mike Babul Legacy

The retirement of Mike Babul’s No. 43 jersey is a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplified commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. His “superhuman” dedication, vibrant personality, and unwavering commitment to making everyone around him better are aspects of his legacy that will continue to inspire. His story is a testament to how sports can be a powerful vehicle for personal development, instilling discipline, leadership, and a sense of shared purpose that benefits society as a whole.

HEREboston.com encourages all readers to attend local high school sports events, support athletic programs, and celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to developing our youth. These community pillars, like Mike Babul, demonstrate that the lessons learned on the court or field contribute significantly to the character and success of future leaders. Stay tuned to HEREboston.com for more stories on Massachusetts prep sports and how local athletes and coaches are making a difference in the lives of young people across the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mike Babul’s Number Retirement

• When is Mike Babul’s jersey retirement ceremony scheduled?

  The jersey retirement ceremony for Mike Babul’s No. 43 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

• Where will the ceremony take place?

  The ceremony will take place at Pickering Gymnasium at North Attleborough High School.

• What number is being retired in Mike Babul’s honor?

  North Attleborough High School will retire Mike Babul’s No. 43 jersey.

• What was Mike Babul’s motto?

  Mike Babul’s personal motto was “Be the teammate you would want.”

• What organization did Mike Babul found for youth basketball development?

  Mike Babul was the owner of “Hoop Work, LLC,” a youth basketball training organization.

• What award did Mike Babul receive in high school?

  Mike Babul was named the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year in the 1995-96 season.

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