Joel Cornette, a four-year basketball letterwinner at Butler University from 1999-2003, has tragically passed away at age 35.
According to a statement from the family of Joel Cornette, his death was from natural causes.
“>August 16, 2016
The 6-foot-10 Cornette played in all 128 games (97 starts) in his four seasons with the Bulldogs. He finished his career with averages of 8.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. A 1,000-point scorer, he ranks in the top 10 in program history in field goal percentage and blocked shots.
As a senior, Cornette helped 12th-seeded Butler reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1962. He scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a second-round upset of No.4 seed Louisville.
After graduating from Butler, Cornette played several seasons overseas. Following his playing days, he served as director of basketball operations at his alma mater in 2006-07. Cornette then moved on to Iowa, working as an assistant coach for three seasons under Todd Lickliter, his head coach at Butler.
In 2010, Cornette left coaching to pursue a career as a color commentator for ESPN. He stayed there for two years before becoming a certified player agent.
Cornette’s current occupation was Director of Basketball Recruiting at Priority Sports, where he handled “player evaluations, free agent contract analysis, and skill development.”
According to RealGM.com, Cornette’s NBA client list included rookies Wade Baldwin IV and Jake Layman, as well as young vets Justin Hamilton, Mason Plumlee, Sam Dekker and Bobby Portis.
Cornette’s younger brother Jordan played college basketball at Notre Dame from 2001-05 and currently works as a commentator for CBS.
“>@joelcornette and I went to the Sweet 16 TOGETHER. Today itll be only ONE
12 yrs ago @joelcornette and I went to the Sweet 16 TOGETHER. Today itll be only ONE @FightingIrish@ButlerMBB#Irishpic.twitter.com/Iiht9i2R0s
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) March 21, 2015
“>@FightingIrish
Sad news to share… pic.twitter.com/txiGTvW6zq
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) August 16, 2016
“>@ButlerMBB #Irishpic.twitter.com/Iiht9i2R0s
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette)
12 yrs ago @joelcornette and I went to the Sweet 16 TOGETHER. Today itll be only ONE @FightingIrish@ButlerMBB#Irishpic.twitter.com/Iiht9i2R0s
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) March 21, 2015
“>March 21, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cornette’s family and friends.