How did Mike Pratt die? What happened? Cause of Death Explained

Mike Pratt Cause of Death

Mike Pratt was a basketball player and coach from the United States. At the age of 73, he passed away. Let’s see how did he die, what happened, and what was Mike Pratt Cause of Death.

Mike Pratt Cause of Death

Mike Pratt, a long-time UK basketball radio analyst and former Wildcat, passed away on Friday as a result of cancer complications. On Twitter, ESPN Radio anchor Bob Valvano confirmed the news. Pratt died at the age of 73.

After being recruited by Joe B. Hall, the Dayton native arrived in Lexington in the fall of 1966 and went on to be named a second-team Converse All-American, a two-time first-team All-SEC performer, and a member of the Wildcats’ three SEC championship teams (1968-70).

In 81 games as a member of the UK basketball team, Pratt scored 1,358 points, grabbed 718 rebounds, and had 32 double-doubles.

How did Mike Pratt die?

Mike Pratt, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader, died Thursday night after a long fight with colon cancer. He was 73 years old at the time. In 2019, Pratt was diagnosed with the condition. He was a former Kentucky basketball player who later worked for two decades as a radio analyst for UK games.

Mike Pratt, a long-time UK basketball radio analyst and former Wildcat, passed away on Friday as a result of cancer complications. On Twitter, ESPN Radio anchor Bob Valvano confirmed the news. Pratt died at the age of 73.

Mike Pratt Early Life and Education

Michael P. Pratt was born on August 4, 1948, in New York City. He was a basketball player and coach in the United States. He was a 6’4″ (1.93 m) guard who weighed 195 lbs (88.5 kg).

Pratt was born in Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1966. From 1967 to 1970, he was a three-year letterwinner at the University of Kentucky, where he played under legendary coach Adolph Rupp.

Following his time with the Wildcats, he was drafted by the Kentucky Colonels in the 1970 American Basketball Association draught, where he played two seasons and averaged six points per game.

Mike Pratt Career

Pratt played for the ABA Kentucky Colonels for two years before joining Lee Rose’s coaching staff at UNC-Charlotte. Charlotte made it to the Final Four with the 49ers as an assistant in 1977.

Following his playing career, he worked as an assistant coach for Lee Rose at UNC Charlotte, where he helped the 49ers reach the NCAA Final Four in 1977.

When Rose, a former Transy coach, left for Purdue at the end of the 1978 season, Pratt took over as UNCC’s head coach. Pratt was the Niners’ head coach for four seasons before moving to the TV booth.

Pratt was named as Rose’s replacement after Rose accepted the head coaching post at Purdue following the 1977–78 season. Pratt coached the 49ers for four seasons, finishing with a 55–52 record before being fired after the 1981–82 season.

Pratt worked for ESPN, Fox Sports, and the Charlotte Hornets TV Network as a basketball analyst.

Pratt joined Tom Leach, “The Voice of the Wildcats,” as a color analyst for the UK Network in 2001, where he helped paint the image for the 2022-2023 season.

Tribute to Mike Pratt’s Death

TJ Beisner said,

Woke up to what I’ve been dreading. Mike Pratt was just a really special person to so many people. He had a gift for making you feel better every time you were around him & convincing you that you were capable of anything. I feel so honored he allowed me to be his friend.

Orlando Antigua said,

Sadden to hear the news about our beloved Mike Pratt !! Will miss seeing him at practice and spending time listening to his great stories !! Thank you Mike for being a great ambassador and example to what a UK man is all about !! My condolences to all his loved ones !! RIP

Maggie Davis said,

Rest in peace, Mike Pratt He was the epitome of a gentleman, who went out of his way to be kind to me when I was first starting out in this business. Mike was a friend to everyone. A legend for all the right reasons Prayers to his family and everyone who is hurting today.
Big Blue Drew said,
Very, very sad to hear about Mike Pratt. I always appreciated his presence in a room and the friendly nature in which he treated people. A UK legend that will be greatly missed. Hug your loved ones.
Jerry Tiptop said,
Mike Pratt passed away Thursday night. He was 73. He played for UK in 1967-68 through 1969-70 seasons. He had been the color commentator on radio broadcasts of UK games the past 21 seasons.
Shannon The Dude said,
Very to sad to hear the news of the passing of Mike Pratt. Mike was a UK Basketball legend, brilliant broadcaster along side Tom Leach, but most importantly just a nice and caring man who everyone loved. He will be missed by all of BBN.
Eric Lindsey said,
RIP to Mike Pratt, one of the kindest humans to ever walk this planet. Mike was a UK Hall of Famer, & yet that will only be a secondary detail in his story. How he treated people will be his defining legacy. He was a friend to everyone. We should all aspire to be more like Mike.
Beau Big Blue said,
Coach Rupp said he was “one of the strongest players I ever coached” and he continued to be a strong pillar of the UK program. If there was anyone who played and represented KY as he if was born here…it was Mike Pratt. His voice & friendship to the #BBN is irreplaceable. RIP.
Tyler Thompson said,
Very sad to wake up to the news that Mike Pratt passed away. In addition to his talents on the court and radio, he was so kind, especially to young people getting into the industry. I knew I could always count on a smile and conversation with Mike. I’ll miss that. Rest In Peace.
Mark Ennis said,
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Pratt. He was a delightful man to be around. Always had a half dozen great stories to tell that would leave you howling with laughter. I couldn’t help but call him “Mr. Pratt.” He will be sorely missed by everyone.
John David Dyche said,
RIP Mike Pratt. Didn’t know him but felt like I did from @UKSportsNetwork broadcasts. Likable, knowledgeable & funny. Loved his trademark expressions like “chicken wing,” “stripes” & “Treyville.” Never heard a negative word about him. Fine @KentuckyMBB player too. Will be missed.
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