The college basketball world suffered a tragic loss on Sunday, as former Oklahoma assistant and current UT Rio Grande Valley head coach Lew Hill passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at the age of 55.
After coaching his team’s game against Texas Southern on Saturday night, Hill died on Sunday morning with the news breaking later on in the evening. The official cause of death is unknown at this time, but he had recently battled with COVID-19 and was expected to step aside for the remainder of the season.
Hill has been the head coach at UT Rio Grande Valley since 2016, previously being an assistant under Lon Kruger for the previous five seasons. He was a member of the coaching staff that helped take the Sooners to the Final Four with Buddy Hield and company in the 2015-2016 season.
The Sooner Basketball Family mourns the sudden and tragic loss of former assistant coach Lew Hill, who passed away today at the age of 55.
Coach Hill was an integral part of our staff for five seasons, including OU's run to the 2016 Final Four. pic.twitter.com/TS3GX6eawd
— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) February 8, 2021
The outpouring of responses on Twitter tells you really all you need to know about how well Hill was respected and liked by fellow coaches and by the players who played for him. Many former Oklahoma players offered their well wishes.
This goes to show life is no promised Im heart broken. This man gave me confidence at my lowest point I pray for his fam. Thank you fir everything you’ve done for me . A great coach and even better man ! Love RIP coach Lew 😞😞😞♥️ https://t.co/BbexCSwmxd
— King James$ (@The_underrated5) February 7, 2021
This one hurts fr. RIP Coach Lew 🙏🏾 https://t.co/lpZknAoHZ6
— R.Odomes (@R_Odomes) February 7, 2021
This is terrible news. Coach Hill was an amazing man. He cared deeply for his players. My hearts heavy for his family.
— Jamuni McNeace (@JayMuni25) February 8, 2021
My Prayers and condolences goes out the Hill Family. I will always cherish moments we had together. May your Soul Rest in Peace @LHillMBB_UTRGV love you man 🙏🏾
— Buddy Love !!!! (@buddyhield) February 8, 2021
Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione also offered his condolences when the news broke:
Just crushing news. No words. Lew was so well-respected/loved by all during his years at OU. We closely followed/cheered for his success since. Heartbroken for Renee and the kids. Lew always worked for everyone’s best interests. Players loved him. Rest In Peace Coach.
— Joe Castiglione (@soonerad) February 7, 2021
Fellow coaches around the country also provided some words on Hill, including Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton, Texas Tech coach Chris Beard and former Oklahoma and current Houston coach Kelvin Sampson.
Really can’t believe the news about Sweet Lew Hill. One of the best dudes I’ve ever come in contact with. The Lord doesn’t make mistakes and his grace is sufficient. May he guide the hearts and minds of his family and his program. #RestInHeavenLew 🙏🏾
— Mike Boynton (@thacoachmike) February 8, 2021
Lew Hill my friend. You always treated me the same no matter what logo I had on my shirt. Big time coach and even better person. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/OdsY7lFUMN
— Chris Beard (@CoachBeardTTU) February 8, 2021
I am so saddened for hear about my good friend Lew Hill. Good man, good coach. So passionate about helping kids reach their dreams 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/TgLVPGtFh3
— Coach Kelvin Sampson (@CoachSampsonUH) February 7, 2021