H 4448

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 4448
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
tO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL LAW OF LOS
ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY
FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death
of Michael Law of Los Angeles, California, at the age of sixty-six on April 18,
2025. The eldest son of Joseph Law Jr. and Lena Mae Smalls Law, Michael was born
on December 30, 1958, in Florence, South Carolina. His 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; and
Whereas, following high
school, Michael's journey took him to Benedict College, where he excelled both
in the classroom and on the athletic field, but it was basketball that captured
this gifted athlete's heart. As a passionate leader and playmaker, Michael
helped steer Benedict College to its first­ever appearance in the NCAA Division
II Men's Basketball Tournament. His relentless spirit and talent earned him MVP
honors for the 1976-1977 season, as well as All-Conference and All-District
accolades. In 1979-1980, he helped lead the team to a remarkable 20-4 record
and 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. In 2024, he was also inducted into the Wilson High School
Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, 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 basketball
always called him back. Michael, helping rising stars carve their own
professional paths, went on to consult for Rivals Sports Group, represent NBA
players, and serve as a top scout for Overtime Elite; and
Whereas, however,
Michael's true lifework extended far beyond any court or boardroom. His heart
belonged to the youth he mentored, the lives he changed, and the dreams he
helped shape. As owner and executive director of Cal Supreme Basketball, one of
the most legendary AAU programs in the nation, Michael created a platform where
countless young athletes could rise. Later, as co­director of Team WhyNot, he
continued to build champions, guiding the team to national prominence, with
highlights such as a 17U Peach Jam Runner-up finish (2018-2019), a 16U Peach
Jam Championship (2021), and a 15U Peach Jam Championship (2024); and
Whereas, Michael was
more than a coach; he was the beating heart of grassroots basketball across
Southern California and the West Coast. Known affectionately as "Unc," he was a
mentor, cheerleader, protector, and quiet force behind the dreams of thousands.
Through Michael's tireless work, multitudes of young men and women earned
college scholarships and changed the course of their futures. Many enjoyed
professional careers in the NBA and beyond; and
Whereas, moreover,
Michael's nonprofit, Neutral Grounds, brought hope to young people in gang-affected
neighborhoods in Los Angeles through critical resources like job-interview
training, GED preparation, computer literacy, and moral and spiritual guidance;
and
Whereas, Michael leaves
to cherish his memory his devoted siblings, the Reverend Dr. Terry B. Law Sr.
(Phyllis) of Florence and Jolette Law of Columbia, as well as a host of other
family members, colleagues, and friends. He will be greatly missed, but his
legacy will continue to inspire all who were privileged and blessed to know him.
Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House
of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express
their profound sorrow upon the passing of Michael Law of Los Angeles,
California, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution
be presented to the family.
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This web page was last updated on April 30, 2025 at 02:20 PM