Michael T. Law

Michael Law was the cherished eldest son of the late Joseph Law, Jr. and Lena Mae Smalls Law. He was born on December 30, 1958, in Florence, South Carolina, a blessing to his family and community from the very start. Michael’s life serves as a reminder that “Life is but a vapor.” He transitioned from labor to reward on April 18, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Michael’s early years were spent in the public schools of Florence School District 1, where he graduated proudly from Wilson High School in 1976. He lettered in three sports in high school: baseball, football, and basketball. His faith and character were nurtured at Trinity Baptist Church under the guidance of Pastor William P. Diggs, where the seeds of his lifelong commitment to service and leadership were first planted.

Following high school, Michael’s journey took him to Benedict College, where he shined both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. A gifted athlete, it was basketball that truly captured his heart. As a passionate leader and playmaker, Michael helped steer Benedict College to its first- ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament. A four-year starting point guard for the Tigers, he led the team in assists and was always ready to deliver when it mattered most. His relentless spirit and talent earned him MVP honors for the 1976–77 season, as well as All-Conference and All-District accolades. During the 1979–80 season, he helped lead the team to a remarkable 20-4 record and a No. 8 national ranking in the Sheridan Poll of Black Colleges. In 2013, his enduring impact on the program was honored with his induction into the Benedict College Hall of Fame—a testament to a legacy built on heart, hustle, and unbreakable will. In 2024, he was also inducted into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame.

Michael became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, in the Fall of 1978 embracing the fraternity’s values of achievement in every field of human endeavor. His brotherhood with Kappa remained a lifelong source of pride, leadership, and community service throughout his life. During his time at Benedict College, he also participated in the Therapeutic Recreation Club.

Michael’s love for the game carried him across the world, playing professional basketball in Italy, Spain, and the Philippines. After several successful seasons overseas, he returned home, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a renewed passion for mentoring the next generation. He coached with Hoop Masters, helping them reach unprecedented heights, and later transitioned into the business world as a consultant with Stock Cross Financial Services. Yet his love for basketball never waned, Michael returned to the sport full-time, consulting for Rivals Sports Group, representing numerous NBA players, and serving as a top scout for Overtime Elite (OTE), an innovative league providing rising basketball stars with a professional pathway beyond the traditional college route.

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael’s true calling was youth development and mentorship, a passion that extended far beyond the basketball court. His heart was devoted to the youth he mentored, the lives he changed, and the dreams he helped shape. As Owner and Executive Director of Cal Supreme Basketball, a legendary AAU program based in Los Angeles and a nationally recognized Nike EYBL franchise, Michael created a platform where countless young athletes could rise. Later, as Co-Director of Team WhyNot, a renowned Nike EYBL team, he continued to build champions, guiding the team to national prominence with highlights including a 17U Peach Jam Runner-up finish (2018 and 2019), a 16U Peach Jam Championship (2021), and a 15U Peach Jam Championship (2024).

Michael was more than just a coach; he was the heart and soul of these programs, a true gatekeeper of grassroots basketball across Southern California and the West Coast. Dedicated, humble, and always working quietly behind the scenes, he transformed countless lives withoutever seeking recognition or asking for anything in return. In the basketball world, Micheal was affectionately known as "Unc," a beloved figure whose influence extended far beyond the court. His joyful spirit, infectious smile, and signature sayings—“You the best, baby!”, “Nobody better, baby!”, and “What’s up, Nef!”—lit up every gym, every gathering, and every life he touched. He lifted up others by believing in them.

Through Michael’s tireless work, thousands of young men and women earned college scholarships, changed the course of their futures, and, for many, reached professional careers in the NBA and beyond. His legacy is etched into the fabric of grassroots basketball in Cali and woven into the lives he empowered.

Michael’s heart for service went beyond basketball. Through his nonprofit, Neutral Grounds, he brought hope to young people in gang-affected neighborhoods of Los Angeles, offering critical resources like job interview training, GED preparation, computer literacy, and moral and spiritual guidance. He believed in second chances, in brighter futures, and in the boundless potential of every young person.

Michael Law leaves behind a profound legacy of excellence, generosity, and love. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lena Mae Law, and his beloved grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

His spirit lives on through his devoted siblings, Rev. Dr. Terry B. Law, Sr., (Phyllis), of Florence, South Carolina, and Jolette Law of Columbia, South Carolina, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, cousins, dear friends, and countless colleagues and mentees across the world.

Michael Law’s life was a life of purpose, of passion, and of unconditional love. His light will never dim, and his legacy will forever inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Please keep the family of Michael Theo Law in your thoughts and prayers.