Iowa Basketball Shocked By Sudden Passing of Jack Nunge's Father

A dark cloud has covered the Iowa men's basketball team as they console a teammate. Hearts are broken not only in Iowa City, but in the small Indiana town of Newburgh. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Dr. Mark Nunge, the father of Iowa player Jack Nunge, died suddenly this past Saturday. He was just 53 years old.

Dr. Nunge was a father of five, including Jack. He was an emergency medical specialist at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, just outside of Evansville. Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery told the Gazette that Dr. Nunge was "an amazing guy. Saturday was a very somber day for us." Iowa point guard Jordan Bohannon said "I was absolutely devastated for Jack."

The Gazette reports that Mark Nunge played basketball at the University of Rochester. His wife Beth played volleyball and basketball at Central College. Their oldest daughter Rebecca played volleyball at Notre Dame and is now enrolled in medical school. Their other daughter Jessica is currently a volleyball player at Florida State. Jack also has two younger brothers.

Dr. Mark Nunge worked in Iowa City at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, according to the Gazette. The family moved to Newburgh when Jack was in fifth grade. Iowa center Luka Garza, who roomed with Jack when they were both freshman, told the Gazette "we're going to circle around Jack, and just try and build him up, and hopefully when he comes back, make him feel at home."

Jack Nunge will not be with the team as they open their season tomorrow afternoon against North Carolina Central.