John Thompson was more than just a Hall of Fame basketball coach. He was an inspiration to many, one of the giants of collegiate sports in the United States and was dedicated to the wellbeing of his community above everything else.
He turned Georgetown into a basketball powerhouse during his 27 years coaching there. With “Hoya Paranoia,” he won the only NCAA National Championship in the school’s history and broke barriers as the first Black coach to lead a program to a championship title.
As a player, Thompson was champion in the two seasons he played during his NBA career, as his Boston Celtics won back-to-back championships in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
And at a time when NBA players are speaking out against social injustice more than maybe ever, it’s worth remembering Thompson was also a leader on that front. In 1989, Thompson protested by walking off the court prior to tip-off against Boston College to bring awareness to an NCAA rule that he felt negatively impacted minority athletes.
On Sunday, Thompson passed away at age 78 and the basketball world took a moment to pause and remember the legendary coach and his impact on and off the court.
of the most impactful days of my coaching career was in ‘08 after we lost to Gtown. Coach Thompson grabbed me after my press conf & said “ hey, you keep your MF head up. You can coach.” His impact on college & the lives he changed will never be forgotten. RIP John Thompson
— Milan Brown (@coachmbrown) August 31, 2020
I’m a Hoya for life because of you. Thank you for coming to New Orleans to recruit me. The course of my life changed with my decision to go to Georgetown. I will forever appreciate you.
Now, with a heavy heart, I send out my condolences to the Thompson family.
RIP Coach pic.twitter.com/X1MKxldZ9P— Jaren Jackson (@JarenSrJackson) August 31, 2020
Rest In Peace Legend, John Thompson
— Malcolm Miller (@MalcMili13) August 31, 2020
RIP John Thompson. One of the all time best coaches and mentors in college basketball history.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 31, 2020
Rest In Peace to the LEGEND John Thompson!!!
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) August 31, 2020
Legend…Rest in Power Coach Thompson pic.twitter.com/V6shLa48jQ
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) August 31, 2020
Damn now John Thompson smh. This is a crazy year.. R.I.P. to the legend
— malcolm delaney (@foe23) August 31, 2020
RIP to a Basketball Legend Mr. John Thompson Jr
— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) August 31, 2020
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