Reactions As Georgetown Basketball Legendary, John Thompson Dies At Aged 78

John Thompson, the Hall of Fame college basketball head coach who led a dominant Georgetown team in the 1980s, died Monday 31 August, 2020 at aged 78.

There was no immediate cause of death announced. His family later released a statement.

“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 everyday. 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.”

Despite being drafted in the third round by the Boston Celtics in 1964, his NBA career only lasted about two seasons. Thompson was mostly known for putting together dominant Hoyas teams, which included players like Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson. Thompson led Georgetown to a national championship in 1984 with a nine-point victory over Houston.

Later on, Thompson resigned from coaching in 1999. He would later be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Thompson was replaced by his longtime assistant coach Craig Esherick. Esherick would last until 2004 and be replaced by Thompson’s son, John Thompson III. Thompson III was the coach until 2017. Ronny Thompson, his younger son, was the head coach at Ball State from 2006 to 2007.

See Reactions to his death below:

RIP JOHN THOMPSON
The first African-American coach to win a National Championship.

The legendary Georgetown Coach also won 2 NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics. pic.twitter.com/xMtOwSEZ38

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 31, 2020

Breaking News: Legendary Georgetown Coach John Thompson has passed away. The Hall of Famer became the first African-American head coach to win the NCAA National Championship, leading the Hoyas to the 1984 title. Coach Thompson will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/wrNyzN2vFU

— The Team 980 & 95.9FM (@team980) August 31, 2020

Time made me realize John Thompson’s greatness as a communicator, an educator and as a friend to the players he coached.

There’s a reason why his players talk more about what he taught them about life than on the court and why their loss today hurts like a parent gone. pic.twitter.com/gDrrzZtWpu

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 31, 2020

Growing up, we thought Georgetown was an HBCU the way legendary coach John Thompson represented that university and had us all wearing Hoya starter jackets. The Black community continues to mourn. Brutal week. RIP, coach. https://t.co/j4MkYPcpWB

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 31, 2020

Rest In Peace John Thompson ! ????????
-Hall of Famer
– First Black Head coach to win an NCAA Title
– Over 90 % of his players stayed all four years and graduated
– Coached several first round draft picks some who ended up becoming hall of famers like Allen Iverson & Patrick Ewing pic.twitter.com/Wno00oYtXM

— Jaquam Bodden (@JBoddenNYC) August 31, 2020

Acknowledgement: Fox News