He would constantly tell Andrews to create his own basketball event. Six years ago, Michael’s advice was accepted when Andrews created the Centercourt Classic, which is slated to be at St. Joseph’s this year. Michael was the friend Andrews didn’t know he needed, but became a fixture in his life.

Andrews reflected on their friendship Tuesday afternoon after St. Joseph’s announced that Michael, the school’s basketball coach since 2018, had died. Michael was 43.

A cause of death has not been released.

“He was one of the most unique basketball coaches in the area,” Andrews said. “He had an infectious personality that was a combination of serious and loose. He was a professional who knew how to make a program fun for kids. He was somebody with an outstanding perspective on people, life, and the basketball scene.

“He was my best friend who never asked me for a thing coverage-wise and I talked to him every day. He would call me within 20 minutes of his game ending. He’d call me every holiday.”

Basketball helped create a long-lasting friendship that extended far beyond the game.

“He was truly my best friend, and I’m going to miss him,” Andrews said.

Michael led St. Joe’s to the Manhattan Cup championship in the pandemic-shortened 2021 season, the school’s first since 2008, with a 78-67 victory against Bishop Timon in the finals. That same season, the Marauders won the Monsignor Martin championship for the first time since 2011.

The team also reached the Manhattan Cup finals the previous season. St. Joseph’s won at least 12 games in each of his five seasons.

School officials has a team meeting shortly before releasing the news to the community. Crisis counselors were made available to students and staff, the school said.

“He was a role model, mentor, confidant, and friend to many, and he will be sorely missed by the entire SJCI school community,” St. Joe’s President Christopher Fulco said in a statement. “Gabe was more than just a coach; he was an older brother to our athletes and would do anything to ensure their success as players and as men.”

“He’s one of the most positive influences in the coaching profession that I’ve ever been around, and I’ve been around athletics for over 20 years,” Brian Anken, SJCI athletic director, said. “There is no level of success that he’s ever had that would scratch the surface of the positive impact he’s made on his players. It’s incomparable.”

Before St. Joseph’s, Michael coached at Williamsville South for six seasons.

SUNY Cortland assistant coach Pat Stasiak, a Williamsville South graduate, recalled on social media, “Coach Gabe took the job at Williamsville South one day before my senior year when no one else wanted to. He approached every day with an energy and positivity that made that year very memorable. His love for basketball was contagious! Miss you coach!

The Billies won the overall Section VI Class A championship in 2015 and 2016, reaching the Class A state semifinals in 2016. He led the program to at least 19 wins in each of his last four seasons.

“I just think it’s a good opportunity,” Michael said upon his departure from Williamsville South. “It’s a different level in the Monsignor Martin. It’s nothing against South. I had an amazing six years there. It’s just a different challenge.”

Michael, a 1998 graduate of rival Canisius High School, became interested in coaching while at Xavier University, where he served as a team manager. A 2004 graduate of Xavier, he started his coaching career as an assistant at Division I and III college programs from 2005-12. That included Canisius and Medaille. He also worked as a realtor.

Monsignor Martin executive director Pete Schneider said, “The entire Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association mourns the passing of St. Joe’s basketball coach Gabriel Michael. A tremendous advocate for high school athletics, Gabe was an outstanding leader and mentor. He will be missed.”

On social media, Nichols coach Matt Bradshaw wrote, “So sad to hear this news. Coach was a class act on and off the court. Always there to lend a hand. He genuinely cared about all kids regardless of their team. A huge loss to our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Michael’s family and the St Joe’s community.”

On social media, Bishop Timon Athletics said, “The Timon athletics family sends its heartfelt condolences to the @SJCIAthletics community on the tragic loss of its basketball coach, Gabe Michael. We urge our friends at St. Joe’s to remain Strong In Faith. Fortes In Fide.”

Funeral arrangements were pending.