Former Georgetown head coach John Thompson has passed away at the age of 78. The cause of death is currently unknown, but it is Thompson's own family that has confirmed this terrible development.
ABC 7 in Washington was one of the first outlets to break the news:
BREAKING: Former Georgetown coach John Thompson has died, according to friends and family.
There is no word on a cause yet. Thompson was 78 years old.
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— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) August 31, 2020
The blows just keep on coming on. John Thompson's death shortly follows the passing of fellow legendary NCAA coach Lute Olson, former Portland Trail Blazers big man Clifford Robinson, and “Black Panther” actor Chadwick Boseman.
Thompson was a celebrated icon for the Black community both on and off the court. In 1984, when he coached a Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown side to the NCAA Division I National Championship, Thompson was the first African American in league history to have achieved that feat.
John Thompson started his coaching career with the Hoyas in 1972 and resigned in 1999, marking 27 years as the team's head coach.
Prior to coaching, Thompson had a short-lived NBA career. Drafted by the Boston Celtics 25th overall in 1964, the 6-foot-10 big man played for only two seasons in the NBA — both with the C's. Despite playing a small role for the squad, Thompson is a two-time NBA champ, with his only two seasons resulting in titles for Boston.
For all his contributions to the sport, Thompson was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 1999. His son, John Thompson III, also coached at Georgetown.
Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Thompson. May he rest in peace.
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