Rob Babcock, a former Timberwolves executive during two different stints spanning more than two decades, died Wednesday at age 66. He had been battling pancreatic cancer since being diagnosed in 2017.
Babcock was the Wolves' director and then vice president of player personnel starting in the mid-1990s. He was named general manager of the Toronto Raptors in 2004, but he was fired in 2006 and later returned to the Wolves as an executive for another decade until 2016.
"I am extremely saddened to hear of Rob's passing. I got to know Rob well during his time with the Wolves and considered him a great friend," said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor in a statement. "[He] was instrumental in shaping our roster during our eight-year playoff run from 1997 through 2004."
Ex-Gopher Washington going to Iona
Former Gophers guard Isaiah Washington has committed to Iona. Washington, who left the Gophers this spring following his sophomore year, averaged 4.3 points and 2.8 assists last season.
Winona High DE decommits from U
Aaron Witt, a three-star defensive end out of Winona, shared on Twitter his decision to decommit from the Gophers. The 6-5, 230-pound Witt initially committed in November.
He's the second class of 2020 commit to reverse his decision since Monday. Junior college linebacker Juwan Mitchell reclassified to 2019 and joined Texas.
Blaine girl sets high jump record
Blaine junior Madison Schmidt became the first Minnesota high school female to clear 6 feet in the high jump. She did it Tuesday during a meet at Armstrong. Schmidt broke the state record held by Kasson-Mantorville's Taylor Wiebke, who cleared 5-11 in 2014. Schmidt won the Class 2A state title last year with a leap of 5-8.
DAVID LA VAQUE
