Obituary – Cause of Death : Former DePaul coach Joey Meyer dies at 74, led Blue Demons to 7 NCAA Tournaments

Former DePaul and Mad Ants coach Joey Meyer, who guided the Blue Demons to seven NCAA Tournaments, passed away at the age of 74. The news of his demise was announced by Justin A. Cohn via his Twitter handle @JGfortwayne on December 30, 2023.

Joey Meyer, a highly respected figure in the world of basketball, left an indelible mark on the sport throughout his career. Known for his exceptional coaching skills, he dedicated his life to shaping young athletes and leading teams to success. Meyer’s legacy will forever be remembered by the players he mentored and the fans who witnessed his strategic brilliance on the court.

Born on April 11, 1949, Meyer grew up with a passion for basketball. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ray Meyer, a legendary basketball coach, Joey was destined to make a name for himself in the sport. He attended DePaul University, where he played as a guard for the Blue Demons. After completing his studies, he ventured into coaching and began his journey towards greatness.

Meyer’s coaching career began in 1972 when he joined the DePaul coaching staff as an assistant under his father. He learned valuable lessons from his father, who had built an impressive legacy of his own. In 1984, Joey took over as the head coach of the Blue Demons after his father’s retirement. Under his leadership, DePaul experienced tremendous success, reaching the NCAA Tournament seven times during his tenure.

The basketball community revered Meyer for his dedication, passion, and ability to bring out the best in his players. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his strategic approach to the game. Meyer’s teams were known for their disciplined play, strong defense, and relentless pursuit of victory. His coaching philosophy emphasized teamwork, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude.

During his time as head coach of the Mad Ants, a team in the NBA G League, Meyer continued to make an impact on the development of young players. He embraced the challenges of coaching in the minor leagues and nurtured talent, helping players fulfill their potential. His guidance and mentorship were instrumental in shaping the careers of many aspiring basketball stars.

Despite his accomplishments, Meyer remained humble and always prioritized the growth and well-being of his players. He believed in using the sport as a tool for character development and instilling life skills in his athletes. His compassionate and understanding nature earned him respect and admiration from both players and colleagues.

While the cause of Joey Meyer’s death remains unknown at this time, his passing is a significant loss to the basketball community. Tributes have poured in from players, coaches, and fans, all expressing their gratitude for the impact he had on their lives. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players and coaches.

Joey Meyer’s contributions to the game will forever be remembered, and his name will be etched in the annals of basketball history. As the basketball world mourns the loss of a true coaching icon, it is important to reflect on the impact he had and the lessons he taught. Joey Meyer’s spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring legacy he leaves behind..

Former DePaul and Mad Ants coach Joey Meyer, who led the Blue Demons to 7 NCAA Tournaments, dies at 74 via @JGfortwayne

— Justin A. Cohn (@SportsiCohn) December 30, 2023

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@SportsiCohn said Former DePaul and Mad Ants coach Joey Meyer, who led the Blue Demons to 7 NCAA Tournaments, dies at 74 journalgazette.net/sports/profess… via @JGfortwayne