The sporting world was shocked to hear the news on Monday morning that another icon passed away in former Georgetown coach John Thompson. NBA legend Allen Iverson, who himself spent two amazing years with the Hoyas under Thompson's tutelage, could not help but be emotional after learning about the passing of his former coach.
Iverson took to Twitter to share his grief:
Allen Iverson's basketball career was already colorful even before he step foot in the NBA. After just two seasons with the Hoyas, Iverson declared for the NBA Draft. The 6-foot guard holds the title of the first player under Thompson to have left Georgetown early, which is likely what Iverson was referencing to — among other things — when he labeled himself as Thompson's “Prodigal Son.”
Iverson averaged 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in two years under Thompson.
Nevertheless, Iverson remains very appreciative of the impact Thompson had not only on his basketball career, but in his life as well. When Iverson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, he expressed his gratitude toward Thompson for everything the coach had done for him.
The speech was incredible:
Thompson holds the honor of being the first Black coach to have won the NCAA title for Georgetown back in 1984. Aside from Allen Iverson, other notable NBA stars who played under the celebrated coach include Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo, to name a few.
Thompson's cause of death has yet to be revealed. However, it was his own family that confirmed that he had passed at the age of 78. Rest in peace, legend.