Another former Tar Heel joins UNCW hoop staff

Joe Wolf is the second former UNC player to be hired to the UNCW staff. New coach CB McGrath, himself an ex-UNC assistant, earlier added 2005 national champion Jackie Manuel to his staff

UNC Athletic Communications photo—UNC Athletic Communications photo
Joe Wolf was an All-ACC big man for UNC in 1987. He was hired as a member of new coach CB McGrath's staff at UNCW on Thursday

New UNC Wilmington basketball coach C.B. McGrath added a little more UNC flavor to this Seahawks program Thursday by hiring of Joe Wolf as an assistant coach. Wolf is the second former Tar Heel to be hired to the UNCW staff. McGrath, himself a former UNC assistant, earlier added 2005 national champion Jackie Manuel to his staff. “We’re very happy to have Joe join our staff,” said McGrath, who took over on April 3 after Kevin Keatts left for NC State. “His most important role will be to develop the big guys. Overall, he has a great basketball mind and rounds us out. He’s a perfect fit.” Wolf, 52, spent 11 seasons playing in the NBA before starting his coaching career as an assistant at William & Mary in 2003. He then moved over to the professional ranks, first as a head coach in the Continental Basketball Association and the NBA’s D-League, then an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Nets’ staff for the past three seasons while also helping Mike Fratello lead the Ukrainian National Team. “This is just an excellent opportunity and I’m happy to be here, Wolf said. “C.B’s an up-and-coming head coach and I see nothing but great things ahead. I had some conversations with him and Coach (Roy) Williams and it seems like the perfect spot. I’m excited about getting back into college ball and it seems like the right time.”