Former Iowa basketball assistant Joel Cornette dies
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Former Iowa assistant men’s basketball coach Joel Cornette died early Tuesday morning.
His death at the age of 35 was confirmed by the Cook County (Ill.) Medical Examiner’s Office. Cornette died at his apartment in Chicago at around 1 a.m.
There is an autopsy pending and the cause of death was not determined.
A former standout basketball player for Butler University, Cornette was the director of basketball operations at his college alma mater from 2006-07. He then followed Todd Lickliter to Iowa, where he was an assistant coach from 2007-10.
Cornette then worked as a color commentator for two years with ESPN.
“This morning, we spoke with the Cornette family, who has confirmed that their beloved son and brother, Joel, passed away early this morning due to natural causes," said Butler associate athletic director John Dedman in a press release. "They are shocked and devastated by this news. The Butler family also mourns the loss of one of our favorite Bulldogs. Additional information will be released by the Cornette family as it becomes available. Please join us in keeping the Cornette family in your thoughts and prayers."
Former Iowa basketball player Matt Gatens expressed his sympathy on Twitter shortly after hearing about Cornette’s sudden death.
“Awful news. One of best coaches I’ve had and even better guy. Thoughts and prayers go out to Cornette fam.” Gatens said on Twitter.
Cornette played a key role in Butler’s rise to national prominence in basketball. Butler won four Horizon League titles and two conference tournament crowns with Cornette on the roster. He played in every game during his four years at Butler, including starting the final 97.
A 1,000-point scorer, Cornette led the Bulldogs in rebounding three consecutive seasons and blocked shots all four campaigns. The three-time All-Horizon League defender was seventh all-time in career rebounds (712) upon graduation, and is currently 10th.
The Cincinnati native was selected to the NCAA East Region All-Tournament Team in 2003 and was named to the school’s all-century team. His 144 career blocks and .544 career field-goal percentage also rank among the top 10 in Butler history.
Cornette was working as a sports agent and served as the Director of Basketball Recruiting at Priority Sports & Entertainment.
Memorial service arrangements will be forthcoming from his family.