Michael Pratt Obituary
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From athlete to coach to professional analyst and broadcaster, Mike Pratt has lived and breathed sports for more than 50 years. His illustrious career began in 1967 after he was recruited by legendary coach Adolph Rupp to play for the Kentucky Wildcats. A versatile young athlete who excelled at high school sports in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, Pratt found even greater success at UK, helping lead the team to three SEC championships and two Elite Eight appearances. Pratt was an Academic All-American, All-American, and two-time All-SEC athlete. Following graduation, Pratt played for the ABA Kentucky Colonels (1970-1972) then went on to coach at UNCC under Lee Rose, until he took over as head coach from 1978-1982. Pratt then moved to broadcast in 1985, working for several outlets including the Charlotte Hornets Television Network, ESPN, and Fox Sports South. He is a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame (2009), the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame (2010), and the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame (2019). Since 2002, Pratt has been a familiar face-on the floor and behind the scenes-in Kentucky basketball as color analyst for the UK Radio Network. His work as color analyst led him and Tom Leach to write Kentucky Basketball Two Decades Behind the Scenes.
Mike's parents (deceased):
Raymond Eugene and Grace Joyce Pratt
Spouse:
Marcia Schmidt Pratt
Brother:
Patrick Pratt; spouse - Andrea Pratt
Daughter:
Tamaryn Pratt; spouse - Jonas Tanenbaum; children Giancarlo, Ginevra, Giacomo Pratt Voltolina
Son:
Christopher Pratt; spouse - Amy Pratt; daughter Mia Pratt
Stepchildren:
Christina Stone; spouse - Tyler Stone; Jaxon, Payton Stone
Andy Schutz; spouse - Kaelin; children - Wyatt, Hudson, Parker Schutz
Tim Schutz; spouse - Sarah; children - Amelia Schutz
Plans are being made for Mike's Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kentuckiana Friends of V.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
J. Bruce Miller
June 12, 2024
Mike: Everything I said 2 years ago is still true today. Your Jeersey and multiple photos still adorn my office and your memory is constant. Rest in Peace my friend.
Larry woods
June 12, 2023
I was in mike´s frat pledge class. We did a prank but I got caught and was going to have to clean up if mike had not come up, picked up both me and the person who caught me , and made him let me go. I told
Mike I would always be in his debt. But the neater thing was when mike took my little brother to shake hands with pistol Pete Maravich during a freshman game- it meant a lot to my brother - still " the hand that shook the hand". I miss
Mike and all of us were better for being around him. Sorry for your loss. Larry woods
jim Copses
June 25, 2022
Mike and I were Charlotte friends...our families were intertwined...We did numerous fun things together,....without question one of the very best people I have known .....I cannot express my sadness in Mike´s passing...rest in peace Dear friend.....thanks for making my life so much better..
Paul Rogers
June 23, 2022
Such a classy, compassionate, humorous, loving man. We will all miss him. At least now perhaps he can reunite on the golf course with his longtime friend Mike Casey.
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Marc Jennings
June 21, 2022
I first met Mike on the basketball floor as my 7th grade team from Gettysburg Elementary met his from close-by Hickorydale Elementary. It was immediately obvious to me what an awesome talent Mike was. We met again as former Daytonians living in Louisville. Mike was always friendly and humble despite his athletic ability and fame. I am shocked by his passing, knowing that the world, and Kentucky has lost a very good man.
Donna Brautigan
June 20, 2022
Marcia I will never forget our trip with U K to Cancun. Mike and myself wanted so much to have Turkey and Dressing for Thanksgiving Day. We walked from restaurant to restaurant and finally we came to the last one that had a Thanksgiving meal Since this was all inclusive we stayed within the limits of where we were Mike Tom and Jim and each of us were so excited to celebrate Thanksgiving in a Mexican setting We Loved Mike so much There will never be another Mike Pratt Our Love and Sympathy to you
John Sizemore
June 19, 2022
Mike, there is a mountain of memories of you from your relentless hooping in your back yard, boating on the Ohio, following and listening to your commentary on the UK Network. You were always a gentleman and a class act. Rest In Peace warrior!
Larry woods
June 18, 2022
Was at uk with mike. He was always doing things for others . My brother was a huge Maravich fan and Mike once took him to meet Maravich before the uk- LSu game . Hard to believe that the 2 mikes- Casey and Pratt are now both gone.
J. Bruce Miller
June 18, 2022
I was deeply saddened this morning to learn of Mike's passing. Of all the pro athletes I've represented, Mike was one of the most special -- for the simple reason that he never let the 'fame' "go to his head." Mike was always the same person from the day I first met him to begin my representation of his pro career to the last day I saw him. There's a special place in our God's heaven for people like Mike Pratt. A genuine and heart-warming good person. Save me a seat up there Mike, I'll miss you in he meantime -- and rest in peace knowing that you were a blessed friend of many during your life - here.
Mark Colone
June 18, 2022
When I was 18, cutting my teeth in sports information at UNC Charlotte, Mike Pratt was our basketball coach. He was a giant to me, a kid from upstate trying to fit in at a college 750 miles from home. He would always ask how I was doing, if I enjoyed my work, and if I was prepared to dig in and enjoy what I was doing. Our administration let him go too soon. He was a wonderful person.
Randy and Roxana Pool
June 18, 2022
So saddened by Mike´s death. He was always a friend to us and we were so happy to spend time with him in Tampa this Spring. Our deepest sympathy to Marcia and family.
Sandra Trager
June 18, 2022
Oh Marcia and Pratt family, I´m so sorry for your loss! Sending prayers and hugs for peace in your hearts
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