Capri Howard
Staff Writer
John Thompson, the former Georgetown basketball coach who became the first black coach to win an NCAA championship, has died at the age of 78. Washington, D.C news station, WJLA, was the first to report the news, which was followed by a statement from Thompson’s family.
The statement read in part: “We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our father, John Thompson, Jr. Our father was an inspiration to many and devoted his life to developing young people not simply on, but most importantly, off the basketball court. He is revered as a historic shepherd of the sport, dedicated to the welfare of his community above all else.
However, for us, his greatest legacy remains as a father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. More than a coach, he was our foundation. More than a legend, he was the voice in our ear every day. We will miss him but are grounded in the assurance that we carry his faith and determination in us. We will cherish forever his strength, courage, wisdom and boldness, as well as his unfailing love. We know that he will be deeply missed by many and our family appreciates your condolences and prayers. But don’t worry about him, because as he always liked to say,“Big Ace” is cool.”
In 1973, Thompson became the head coach at Georgetown University. He was known for his tough and competitive nature as a coach. Taking over a team with a 3-27 record the previous season, he created the infamous “Hoya paranoia”. Creating a dominant powerhouse for over ten years and compiling a 596-239 record, with 14 consecutive NCAA appearances. Thompson led his team to 24 straight postseason tournaments, three Final Fours and six Big East championships with hall-of-famer Patrick Ewing in the paint.
Thompson went on to coach multiple hall-of famers and NBA stars such as; Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo. Many of his players sent their condolences and stated the impact Thompson had on their lives on and off the court.
“(John Thompson) has done so much to impact my life and the people who he has coached and mentored along the way. However, his reach went well beyond just those who he knew personally, he changed the world and helped shape the way we see it. He was a great coach but an even better person, and his legacy is everlasting. My condolence and my prayers go out to his family,” stated Ewing in an official statement on the death of his collegiate coach to 247 Sports.
Along with his ferocious coaching style, Thompson was known for being a positive role model for all of his players. Protecting his players from manipulating media, holding closed practices, and standing on firm principals during an American dilemma fueled by race. Including speaking out against an insulting sign held up against Ewing at the game. He never shied away from speaking about racial discrimination and that basketball was more than just a game.
Big East commissioner Val Ackerman expressed his condolences about one of the conference’s greatest coaches. “His dedication to the game of basketball was eclipsed by his unabashed determination to challenge norms and call out social injustices, and we are deeply saddened that the quest for racial equity has lost one of its most powerful advocates. John was a pioneer, a thought leader, a mentor and a source of guidance and inspiration to countless players, coaches, officials and administrators, and his contributions to our sport and our society will remain deeply felt for years to come.”
Thompson ran the Hoya’s for decades after eventually quitting in 1999, where he was also elected to the Hall of Fame. According to the AP News, Thompson reported to have stated this on day he was elected, “I’ll probably be remembered for all the things that kept me out of the Hall of Fame, ironically, more than for the things that got me into it.”
Thompson’s leaves an extraordinary legacy, for not only for basketball, but for social justice for the game of basketball for generations to come.
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