LOOK: Vince Carter sent heartfelt tweet in honor of late teammate Ademola Okulaja
North Carolina announced the passing of former forward Ademola Okulaja, who played under head coaches Dean Smith and Bill Guthridge. Playing for the Tar Heels over the course of four years, Okulaja was a key member of the 1998 Final Four squad.
A few of Okulaja’s teammates have reacted to the sad news, with Vince Carter being one of them. The two entered the program at the same time and are both considered North Carolina legends. Carter took to Twitter to remember Okulaja and said receiving the news was “painful.”
“This is so painful….we’re going to miss you my boy,” Carter said. “RIP @Oak1713. I’m praying for your kids and family. Without a doubt you have touched the lives of many with your kindness. 1 thing for sure you will not be forgotten…. Love you Oak #3MusketeersForever“
The third player pictured is Antwan Jamison and as Carter said, the three were dubbed The Three Musketeers. They were brought into the North Carolina program within the same recruiting class and were staples for the Tar Heels throughout their careers.
Former UNC forward Ademola Okulaja dies at the age of 46
Former North Carolina forward Ademola Okulaja has died, the program announced via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. Okulaja played for the Tar Heel for four seasons and passed away at the age of 46.
“Carolina Basketball is saddened to learn of the recent, premature passing of Tar Heel forward Ademola Okulaja (1995-99) at age 46,” the tweet said. “Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and teammates.”
Okulaja played under two different head coaches while in Chapel Hill, first under Dean Smith and then Bill Guthridge. His best season came as a senior in 1998-1999, averaging 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Starting in every game, Okulaja helped North Carolina reach the NCAA Tournament as one of the team’s key players. His teammates voted Okulaja the team MVP on top of his first-team All-ACC honors.
During his junior season, while his role was not as significant, Ojulaja was a key member of the Tar Heels’ Final Four squad. He finished as the team’s second-leading rebounder with 5.6 per game and added eight points a night.