By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
North Attleborough High School will honor one of its most decorated athletes next month when the school retires the jersey of the late basketball standout Mike Babul, Class of 1996.
Babul’s No. 43 will be formally retired on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at a ceremony held during the varsity girls and boys basketball games against Attleboro High School.
The event has been months in the making, following a swell of community interest in honoring Babul after he died from a heart attack on Dec. 30, 2024. For longtime friend and event organizer Rick Patch, honoring Babul’s legacy is both deeply personal and widely shared.
“Mike was a great human being,” said Patch, who first met Babul when he was 5 years old. “He genuinely wanted the best for everyone. Some describe him as superhuman – and I couldn’t agree more. I’m one of many who consider Mike a close friend and one of my heroes.”
A career – and life – defined by excellence
Babul remains one of the most accomplished players in North Attleborough’s history. A high-honor student who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, he was named the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year following the 1996 season and earned recognition from Parade magazine alongside national stars such as Kobe Bryant.
Babul chose to play at UMass Amherst under coach John Calipari, where he became a three-time Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection. Basketball success runs in the family – his twin brother Jon starred at Georgia Tech and later joined the Atlanta Hawks, while younger brother Jeff was also a standout at North Attleborough from 1997-2000.
Those closest to him say his character, however, stood even taller than his resume.
Patch described Mike Babul as “smooth, graceful and unstoppable” on the court – a 6’ 6” athlete with explosive quickness and elite defensive instincts – yet always a team-first player.
“He would outwork you, out-hustle you, out-compete you and out-think you,” said Patch. “But he would inspire you, help you and cheer for you at the same time.”
Off the court, Patch said, Mike Babul had a “presence that would captivate a room,” along with an easy smile, a big laugh and a genuine way of making people feel valued. Traveling to warm climates, listening to music, fishing with his father and playing poker and golf with friends were among his favorite pastimes.
“If you ever had a chance to speak with Mike, he made you feel like the most important person in the room,” he said.
A lasting influence on local youth
After college, Mike Babul turned to coaching, working at both the high school and collegiate levels with programs including University of Texas El Paso, Wagner College, University of Memphis, Youngstown State University, Drexel University and Auburn University, and spending time with the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA.
Locally, he became a driving force in youth basketball development through Hoop Work and the Babul Brothers Basketball programs, mentoring hundreds of young athletes across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
“He inspired kids to love the game,” Patch said. “He challenged them to be their best, but he was never demeaning. His legacy lives on through the life lessons and friendships he built.”
Under his direction, AAU programs flourished – growing from a few dozen players to more than 500 per season – and many of his athletes went on to play at the college level.
“He made every kid feel important,” Patch added. “Whether you were the best player or the last one off the bench, he taught you to be a great teammate – and above all else, to be good to each other.”
This attitude extended to town rivalries, one reason why the North Attleborough/Attleboro doubleheader was chosen intentionally.
“The Attleboro girls-boys doubleheader was a no-brainer,” Patch explained. “On the court it was okay to be rivals, but off the court, the Babuls showed everyone it was okay to be friends.”
A permanent tribute
The doubleheader will begin with the girls game at 5:30 p.m., with the ceremony scheduled for approximately 7 p.m., followed by the boys game at 7:30 p.m. There will be no advance ticket sales, and organizers expect a standing-room-only crowd. An inclement weather date has been set for Jan. 22, with the same schedule.
The ceremony is being coordinated with friends of the Babul family and supporters of the NAHS basketball program, in collaboration with Athletic Director Nick Schlierf and boys varsity head coach Tyler Strange, Attleboro girls coach Bri Hochwater and Attleboro Athletic Director Mark Houle.
As part of the ceremony, Babul’s No. 43 will be permanently mounted in Pickering Gymnasium, alongside the retired football jersey of Kyle Van DeGiesen. When the new high school opens, the framed jerseys will move there as well.
Friends are also working on additional tributes, including a scholarship and documentary screening.
Patch said the response from the community has been overwhelming, and believes Mike Babul would have approached the moment with the same humility he showed throughout his life.
“I just wish he were here to enjoy it with us,” said Patch. “But I know he’ll be watching – smiling and laughing. What would make him happiest is seeing all his friends, family and teammates together again.”