Homages to Thompson poured in over social networks.
” We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our dad, John Thompson, Jr. Our father was a motivation to dedicated and numerous his life to establishing young people not simply on, but most significantly, off the basketball court. He is revered as a historical shepherd of the sport, devoted to the well-being of his neighborhood above all else. For us, his greatest tradition remains as a dad, grandpa, good friend, and uncle. More than a coach, he was our foundation. More than a legend, he was the voice in our ear everyday. We will miss him however are grounded in the guarantee that we carry his faith and decision in us. We will treasure forever his strength, knowledge, boldness and guts, in addition to his unfailing love. We understand that he will be deeply missed by numerous and our family values your prayers and acknowledgements. Do not stress about him, since as he always liked to say, …” Big Ace” is cool.”
There was no instant cause of death announced. WJLA-TV reported that Thompson had died, mentioning friends and family.
KENTUCKYS JOHN CALIPARI CREDITS HIS COACHING SUCCESS TO SKIN COLOR
His family later on launched a statement.
John Thompson, the Hall of Popularity college basketball head coach who led a dominant Georgetown team in the 1980s, passed away Monday. He was 78.
Despite being drafted in the 3rd round by the Boston Celtics in 1964, his NBA profession just lasted about two seasons. Thompson was mainly known for putting together dominant Hoyas teams, which included gamers like Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson.
Thompson led Georgetown to a championship game in 1984 with a nine-point triumph over Houston.
LUTE OLSON, HALL OF FAME COACH, ARIZONA ICON, DIES AT 85
Thompson supposedly challenged a drug kingpin who was connected to several gamers on the group in the 1980s. In 1989, he strolled off the court in protest before a basketball game over the NCAA-backed bill which would have barred scholarship professional athletes from playing their freshman years if they didnt certify academically.
CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Thompson resigned from training in 1999. He would later be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Thompson was changed by his longtime assistant coach Craig Esherick. Esherick would last until 2004 and be changed by Thompsons child, John Thompson III.
Thompson III was the coach until 2017. Ronny Thompson, his more youthful kid, was the head coach at Ball State from 2006 to 2007.
” We are heartbroken to share the news of the death of our father, John Thompson, Jr. Our dad was a motivation to dedicated and numerous his life to developing young individuals not simply on, but most notably, off the basketball court. For us, his greatest legacy stays as a dad, grandfather, uncle, and buddy. More than a coach, he was our foundation. We know that he will be deeply missed out on by numerous and our family values your acknowledgements and prayers.
While his exploits on the basketball court are popular, it was some occurrences that didnt pertain to basketball that made him a famous coach.
