Coach Randy Wiel, a Dutch basketball player and coach, passed away on October 14, 2025, at age 74, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2017. He went through major surgery and strong chemotherapy, and for a while, the cancer became inactive.
This gave Randy and his wife several good years of everyday life, for which they were very thankful.
Sadly, the cancer returned in late 2024 and became much harder to fight. After a long and brave battle, he passed away.
Randy Wiel Was a Respected Basketball Coach and Former UNC Player!
Born in Curaçao in 1951, Randy Wiel played college basketball at the University of North Carolina under legendary coach Dean Smith.
He later coached there in 1993 before leading teams at UNC Asheville, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and several professional clubs in the Netherlands.
Wiel also played professionally in the Netherlands, where he was Rookie of the Year in 1980 and ranked among the top three scorers from 1979 to 1982.
Additionally, he was a part of the Dutch national team’s starting five that won the European Cup in 1982.
He coached teams in the Eredivisie, winning two national championships.
During that time period, he was also named Coach of the Year in the Big South Conference in 1996 while leading UNC Asheville.
To top it off, his coaching journey extended to China’s top division and included founding basketball camps in Spain and Mexico, notably Camp Randy Wiel.
Beyond the court, he contributed to community health through the Niels Liberia Clinic from 2013 to 2018 and remained a cherished friend of Spartacus.
Connie’s tragic passing left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and the entire basketball community.
He is survived by his wife Connie Hicks, his son Zander, and the rest of his family and friends.
Connie shared a heartfelt message on her Facebook, writing:
It is with a broken heart that I tell everyone that my dear husband, Randy, passed away last night. Many of you know that he had pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed in January of 2017. He had major surgery and lots of chemo, with lengthy periods of being cancer-free in between, and with the help of oral chemo, the cancer went to sleep (those were his doctor’s words) and we lived a normal life for several years. Unfortunately, late last year, the cancer woke up, and it has been a real battle. While our families and close friends know, at Randy’s request, I have not posted anything here. He wanted to keep our journey private. We have talked many times about how grateful we are for the wonderful gift of time that God gave us. Most people struggling with pancreatic cancer do not have that. I will post more when arrangements are finalized.
One of his friends described him as a wonderful person, further writing:
Very sad news today for our UNC Tar Heels Family as we learn of the passing of Coach Randy Wiel after a courageous battle with cancer. Coach was such a wonderful person and a true Renaissance man. He always had a funny story to tell or a way of bringing joy to the room. He was well read, spoke fluently in several different languages, played the guitar and several musical instruments, loved horses, his family, and, of course, UNC Basketball! Go Heels!
He was a tremendous coach, and mentor, who provided me the wonderful opportunity to learn “The Carolina Way” of coaching basketball while serving as his Assistant Coach with our UNC Tar Heels JV Team! Thankful for all of the nuggets of wisdom he shared with me, that I try to pass along to the young Champions who I am blessed to coach.
I will miss you my friend. RIP: Coach Randy Wiel
Likewise, Blue Raider Men’s Basketball also paid tribute to Coach, saying:
We are saddened to share the passing of former Blue Raider coach Randy Wiel.
His legacy will always be felt in Middle Tennessee Basketball. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
Despite his demise, Randy Wiel’s legacy continues to inspire across the globe.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Coach Randy Wiel’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Coach!
