John Thompson Jr., the longtime head coach of the Georgetown men’s basketball team, has passed away at age 78, his family confirmed this morning in a statement.
Thompson, who coached the Hoyas from 1972-1999, was a three-time Big East Coach of the Year and won an NCAA title in 1984. He recorded a 596-239 (.714) record in 27 years at the school, coaching future NBA stars such as Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Alonzo Mourning during that time. His son, John Thompson III, later held the head coaching position at Georgetown from 2004-17.
Before becoming a college coach, Thompson Jr. had a brief stint as an NBA player, winning titles as a member of the Celtics in 1965 and 1966.
Thompson is the second legendary college basketball coach to pass away within the last week. Longtime Arizona coach Lute Olson died last Thursday at age 85 after having suffered a stroke earlier in the year.
We at Hoops Rumors send our condolences to both Thompson’s and Olson’s friends and families.
RIP coach!!!!
He was the best big man coach of his time bar none. As good as his teams were, he probably deserved more titles than the 1 he got. Some of those Georgetown teams were scary good.
Good coach and even better human being. His teams during the 80s were pretty damn intimidating, especially when he would deploy the full court and half-court trap.
link to slate.com
RIP Coach ….
He was a great college coach. He was a mentor and teacher. He made them all better men for knowing him. He stood up for his players. Very loyal. He graduated 97% of his players. He taught me loyalty. Just from watching him.