Legendary Georgetown Coach John Thompson Jr. Dies at 78
Just days after Arizona coaching great Lute Olson died, the college basketball world lost another legend. John Thompson Jr. has died at age 78.
Thompson built Georgetown into a powerhouse program, but he was also so much more than just a coach.
He became the first African-American head coach to win a major collegiate championship when he led the Hoyas to the school’s first national title in 1984.
During his 27 years at the helm, he also lead the Hoyas to three Final Four appearances (1982, 1984, 1985). He also earned seven Coach of the Year awards including from the Big East conference (1980, 1987, 1992).
Thompson rattled off 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 14-straight from 1979-1992. He had a career record of 586-239 (.714).
He saw 26 players selected in the NBA Draft, eight of which were drafted in the first round. Two of Thompson’s best, Patrick Ewing and Allen Iverson, were drafted No. 1 overall. Four of his players — Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Motombo, Ewing and Iverson — are in the Hall of Fame.
However, Thompson’s legend grew even more for what he did by not being on the court.
In the late 1980’s Thompson came face-to-face with a couple big issues. First, when he confronted notorious D.C. drug lord Rayful Edmond III, who was linked to at least 40 homicides.
The story goes that Edmond befriended several Hoyas players, including Alonzo Mourning. After Thompson confirmed the relationships between his players and Edmond, the two met up.
The interaction started cordially, but when Edmond tried to tell Thompson the players weren’t involved in anything illegal the niceties left. Thompson, who was 6’10”, stood up and unleashed his booming voice. Edmond never had another interaction with any Hoya players after that.
In Jan. 1989, Thompson walked out of the arena before Georgetown was set to battle Boston College in protest of NCAA Proposition 48.
The rule’s “standards” called for the athlete to have a 2.0 GPA in high school and a minimum 700 score on the SAT. Thompson told the LA Times, “I feel it is a discriminatory thing, especially for a kid who is at a low socioeconomic level.”
For more context:
John Thompson Jr. was a legend on and off the court.
In 1989, the Hall of Fame coach protested a new academic eligibility rule that he believed targeted African-American athletes, denying them of scholarships. pic.twitter.com/o0sDnYgSiG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 31, 2020
He was so much more than a coach. In case you forgot, Allen Iverson credited Thompson with saving his life during his Hall of Fame speech. AI said it again today.
Thanks For Saving My Life Coach. I’m going to miss you, but I’m sure that you are looking down on us with a big smile. I would give anything just for one more phone call from you only to hear you say, “Hey MF”, then we would talk about everything except basketball……. pic.twitter.com/03yj4gZv5q
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) August 31, 2020
His family released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our father, John Thompson, Jr. Our father was an inspiration to many and devoted his life to developing young people not simply on, but most importantly, off the basketball court. He is revered as a historic shepherd of the sport, dedicated to the welfare of his community above all else. However, for us, his greatest legacy remains as a father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. More than a coach, he was our foundation. More than a legend, he was the voice in our ear everyday. We will miss him but are grounded in the assurance that we carry his faith and determination in us. We will cherish forever his strength, courage, wisdom and boldness, as well as his unfailing love. We know that he will be deeply missed by many and our family appreciates your condolences and prayers. But don’t worry about him, because as he always liked to say, ‘….”Big Ace’” is cool.”
Coaches and colleagues around the basketball world posted their thoughts on Thompson on social media.
Former Hoya under Thompson, current Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing:
Georgetown University, the sport of basketball and the world has lost someone who I consider to be a father figure, confidant and role model.
We will all miss you, Coach Thompson – but we will never forget you. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/1nP8YHLU4x
— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) August 31, 2020
Thompson’s Alma Mater, Providence:
The Friar family mourns the loss of John Thompson ‘64. He was a legendary player and an even greater person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family.
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/BsORrzwX5F
— PC Men’s Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) August 31, 2020
Celtics, Basketball Legend Bill Russell:
The Friar family mourns the loss of John Thompson ‘64. He was a legendary player and an even greater person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family.
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/BsORrzwX5F
— PC Men’s Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) August 31, 2020
Duke Coach, Mike Krzyzewski:
A message from Coach K on the passing of legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. pic.twitter.com/Nka2T39FL0
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) August 31, 2020
Former Duke center, ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas:
RIP John Thompson, one of the game’s greatest coaches. His teams were smart, disciplined and ferocious on defense. Thompson was thoughtful and forceful on social issues, and always took the principled stand. A true giant, on the floor and off. pic.twitter.com/6QeqW3S0T8
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 31, 2020
– 1st African-American head coach to win a major collegiate championship in 1984
– 3 NCAA Final Fours
– 3x National Coach of the Year
– 7 Big East Tournament Championships
– Coached Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo & Allen Iverson.RIP John Thompson pic.twitter.com/XBqICBr99D
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) August 31, 2020
Chicago Bulls Legend, Michael Jordan:
Statement from Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/PL8ASREKFD
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) August 31, 2020
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