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Fans of the Georgetown Hoyas and the Casual Hoya community have been mourning the loss of John Thompson, Jr. but it hasn’t stopped there. The nation has taken to social media to praise and thank the legendary coach.
Thank You, Coach Thompson https://t.co/ZtWWeYeFQ7 pic.twitter.com/l9MqJyWlA4
— Casual Hoya (@CasualHoya) August 31, 2020
Thompson is the foundation of Georgetown Basketball, among many other things. The outpouring of respect, admiration, and love has been extremely powerful. We are proud to echo the sentiments and tradition of a man who taught and guided so many of our heroes and worked so damn hard to keep our favorite school, collegiate sport, and nation honest.
Everything this program is and everything it stands for is because of John Thompson Jr. We will miss him dearly but his legacy will live on forever. https://t.co/vWEpyj0dUL pic.twitter.com/B5iwCR4SW6
— Georgetown Hoops (@GeorgetownHoops) August 31, 2020
Georgetown University, the sport of basketball and the world has lost someone who I consider to be a father figure, confidant and role model.
— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) August 31, 2020
We will all miss you, Coach Thompson - but we will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/1nP8YHLU4x
Today, we mourn the loss of inspirational leader and legendary coach John R. Thompson Jr. (1941 - 2020), whose contributions on and off the court will forever be felt on our campus and around the world. Because he stood tall, so too have countless others. pic.twitter.com/DhOTbNGVhD
— Georgetown Univ. (@Georgetown) August 31, 2020
Sending my prayers & condolences to the Thompson family! Thank you Big Coach for being YOU always! #RIPJohnThompson #H4L #Irreplaceable pic.twitter.com/CZIbUyuOS0
— Lee Reed (@HoyasAD) August 31, 2020
A statement released on behalf of the Thompson Family pic.twitter.com/UKfVd4LPRP
— Georgetown Hoops (@GeorgetownHoops) August 31, 2020
— BIG EAST Conference (@BIGEAST) August 31, 2020
Thanks For Saving My Life Coach. I’m going to miss you, but I’m sure that you are looking down on us with a big smile. I would give anything just for one more phone call from you only to hear you say, “Hey MF”, then we would talk about everything except basketball....... pic.twitter.com/03yj4gZv5q
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) August 31, 2020
John Thompson passed away last night.
— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) August 31, 2020
He was the first Black coach to win a NCAA title.
He won two as a player w the Celtics.
He had a 97% graduation rate for his players at Georgetown.
Here is Allen Iverson thanking John for saving his life. pic.twitter.com/QY88pOWeHC
Very sad to hear of my friend & teammate John Thompson’s passing this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & all of the men he brought through #Georgetown & the impact he had on so many lives. He will be greatly missed #RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/SdXrSZTnsg
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) August 31, 2020
In 1976 , my college coach #DeanSmith was Olympic coach & chose #JohnThompson as his assistant. They were lifelong friends. My condolences to the Thompson family #Sleepyfloyd #PatrickEwing pic.twitter.com/yI1tKfokJU
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) August 31, 2020
The relationship we had can't even be explained. You were like a father/grandfather to me. Those who we truly LOVE never leave us. Being strong is the only choice I have. Love you Pop
— Sugar Rodgers (@14Sugar) August 31, 2020
PS: You said knowledge is power and made me go to class; that's why I never met Allen Iverson! pic.twitter.com/rpKJD6qQUP
— Rich Chvotkin (@HoyasWin) August 31, 2020
Rest In Peace, Big Coach. You did so much for Georgetown, and your words and actions impacted so many across this country. Your presence is already sorely missed, but your legend will live on for generations. Thank You, Big Coach. pic.twitter.com/GnOW5sQLf1
— MarkG (@mpghoya) August 31, 2020
Statement from @TedLeonsis on the passing of Coach John Thompson Jr. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q0W7Qd8Kmw
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) August 31, 2020
Statement from Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/PL8ASREKFD
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) August 31, 2020
He was a father figure and mentor to his own players, many other student-athletes, and professionals in the NBA and in the business world. He stood for what he believed in like when he walked off the court before a game against Boston College to boycott Proposition 48.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 31, 2020
A list of John Thompson accolades:
— Adam Howes (@Howsito) August 31, 2020
- First African-American head coach to win a major collegiate championship
- 2× NBA champion ('65, '66)
- NCAA champion ('84)
- NABC Coach of the Year ('85)
- Olympics ('88)
- 3× Big East COTY ('80, '87, '92)
- HOF class of '99
R.I.P Coach pic.twitter.com/eAq7TDhymT
Barrier Breakers: John Thompson
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 31, 2020
pic.twitter.com/0xMIcvQiZJ
The basketball world has lost a giant. Big John stood for all that was right. He stood for his players, often in the face of immense pressure. He also did it while winning, a lot. The BIG EAST is the BIG EAST because of men like John Thompson.
— St. John's BBall (@StJohnsBBall) August 31, 2020
: George Kalinsky/MSG pic.twitter.com/johDKc5lNC
Just spoke with a true college basketball treasure, Lou Carnesecca, who said of John Thompson Jr.: "He was a giant of a coach a legend and everything that goes with it."
— Gene Wang (@gene_wang) August 31, 2020
— Ed Cooley (@CoachCooleyPC) August 31, 2020
The Friar family mourns the loss of John Thompson ‘64. He was a legendary player and an even greater person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family.
— PC Men's Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) August 31, 2020
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/BsORrzwX5F
Because of John Thompson & Patrick Ewing, the Georgetown Starter jacket is part of the National Museum of African American History and Culture collection. 1 of the most symbolic sports apparel in the 1980s, more political statement than fashion statementhttps://t.co/TFYEDRctMh pic.twitter.com/uCtpJLVT3D
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) August 31, 2020
(2/3) Syracuse and Georgetown was the toughest rivalry for about 10-15 years during the early BIG EAST days. There was nothing quite like it. Many of my fondest coaching memories are from Georgetown games, coaching against John – in the Dome, at Georgetown and at MSG.
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) August 31, 2020
Coach John Thompson passed away last night. The Hall of Fame coach was a life changer for so many. He was a great coach who built some of the best college teams of all time. His players were a who’s who of college basketball. Truly an icon in his time.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) August 31, 2020
UNC’s Roy Williams on the passing of legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson pic.twitter.com/FfX4xvABi8
— C.L. Brown (@clbrownhoops) August 31, 2020
More Tomlin on Thompson:
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) August 31, 2020
“As a Virginia boy growing up in the 80s, I had the Georgetown starter jacket. I was a Hoya. … As I got older and I got into the profession of coaching, he was a mentor — a guy who had been there and done that."
You don’t build a true rivalry unless you respect your opponent enough that it makes beating them something special. John Thompson wasn’t loved in Syracuse but he was respected. He helped make the Big East special and he will be missed. https://t.co/DetxA0sOci
— NunesMagician.com (@NunesMagician) August 31, 2020
We lost a giant in the world of college basketball RIP @GeorgetownHoops coach John Thompson. His impact went far beyond basketball and will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/BHgcAgUz0w
— Big East Hoops 24/7 (@BigEastTourney) August 31, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family and the @Georgetown community during this time. John Thompson was a pioneer in the fight to end racial injustice and a coaching legend. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/S1LPXUPhhx
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) August 31, 2020
A message from Coach K on the passing of legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. pic.twitter.com/Nka2T39FL0
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) August 31, 2020
When college basketball tips off this season, every coach in America should have a towel over the shoulder for Coach Thompson.@NABC1927 @CraigMalRob
— Dan Leibovitz (@Dan_Leibovitz_) August 31, 2020
To all my Georgetown Brothers, I love yall and Im thinking about you all today! ✊
— Nolan Smith (@NdotSmitty) August 31, 2020
LEGEND, FATHER, COACH..”HERO”!! #RIP pic.twitter.com/uYfep027yM
— David Cox (@coachdc202) August 31, 2020
Beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the greatness of John Thompson Jr. Big Coach was a family man, extremely intelligent and strong willed. He had the deepest care for the advancement of students-athletes, our industry and so much more. RIP to the Best Ever! pic.twitter.com/yeovkgCovh
— Tavaras Hardy (@CoachTHardy) August 31, 2020
I had the honor of watching Big Coach build THE Georgetown Hoya basketball program. He molded young men into men. All doing it HIS way. Then I had the honor to work at Georgetown for 3 yrs as a coach for JT3. Big Coach shared his time & wisdom everyday. #Legend
— Kevin Sutton (@CoachSutton) August 31, 2020
This year just keep getting worse!!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) August 31, 2020
RIP COACH JOHN THOMPSON. I was honored to have the opportunity to pick your brain and learn from you while in DC. You had the look of intimidation and focus but had the mindset of a wise man. You’re a legend and will truly be missed!!
The world, not just the sports world but the whole world, has lost one of the truly remarkable, complex, brilliant, committed, courageous, fascinating men ever. The impact he had on so many lives cannot be overstated and likely not adequately appreciated or even fully understood.
— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) August 31, 2020
Big John was as impactful on my life as an adult man as anyone other than my dad and a couple of uncles pic.twitter.com/hg4lxw900Q
— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) August 31, 2020
We lost a giant last night. He was ahead of his time. John Thompson, John Chaney & Nolan Richardson in the 80’s were fighting the fight long before the “bubble.” (And, don’t believe what you heard. He was a big teddy bear of a man.) RIP, Large Father. pic.twitter.com/QODMyDcEfp
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) August 31, 2020
I grew up in the era when Big East Basketball was king and nothing on the planet was better than the Big East Tournament. There was always an extra buzz inside MSG when John Thompson and the Hoyas took the court...
— Steve Levy (@espnSteveLevy) August 31, 2020
You couldn't miss Big John and now we'll all miss him. RIP
Time made me realize John Thompson’s greatness as a communicator, an educator and as a friend to the players he coached.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 31, 2020
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
I attended the Thompson Center groundbreaking in 2014. All the great Hoyas there. Leaving the event, Allen Iverson wasn't down for an interview. Told him I just wanted to talk Big John. AI hit the breaks. To share thoughts on his college coach, he had time. "He saved my life." pic.twitter.com/oAyDS12OPV
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 31, 2020
If you don't know much about how badass John Thompson was, his Hoyas beat No. 2 Syracuse in the final game at Manley Field House in 1980.
— Matt Maisel (@Matt_Maisel) August 31, 2020
JT, with massive gets on the PA mic and says "Manley Field House is officially closed. May it rest in peace.”https://t.co/1giYlxByMa
.@stephenasmith remembers how John Thompson’s protest of Proposition 48 paved the way for today’s athletes fighting for racial justice. pic.twitter.com/V5jo1NBx8b
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 31, 2020
RIP John Thompson, a true giant in the game. pic.twitter.com/rIeFoTuHN1
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 31, 2020
Ex-Georgetown Coach John Thompson Saves Boys & Girls Club in Washington D.C. from closing.
— Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) August 31, 2020
NBC Washington Shomari Stone’s Exclusive report. (MARCH 29, 2013) #ICYMI #RIPJohnThompson #JohnThompson https://t.co/cQs55H1mNl pic.twitter.com/5K04phkkCp
“When I'm gone, if I can't go to Heaven, take me back to Georgetown.” John Thompson Jr #RIPJohnThompson #HoyaSaxa pic.twitter.com/JMR0evMTbY
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) August 31, 2020
I remember meeting John Thompson and his son at a lunch event in Virginia, he told me the best thing about getting old is that you have more free time at the casino. RIP Coach. pic.twitter.com/UzqwgC8wsz
— AllenOneDC (@AllenOneDC) August 31, 2020
I truly admired your candor & will never forget the life lessons you shared. Our conversations were always about so much more than basketball. My thoughts & prayers are with the Thompson family & the Georgetown community. Rest In Peace Big Coach, you will be missed! #HoyaSaxa pic.twitter.com/gZ1VaZiaWS
— Gregory Malinowski (@gmowski) August 31, 2020
Today was tough... rest easy Big Coach! You believed in me when few did! When i tried to transfer you convinced me to stay. Thru some of my darkest days at Gtown you would pull me to the side and tell me it’s going to be ok... then you would tell me to stop being a bitch
— Henry Sims (@H_Sims14) August 31, 2020
Man the stories @_SugarFree5 and @JCDeuceUNO puttin up right now i cant even read. Like fr. We all have several moments and convos with John Thompson we’ll never forget. This one hit different man
— Greg Monroe (@M10OSE) August 31, 2020
I told Big Coach when we were leaving the gym “watch out for that water” he said “don’t worry about it, Son I walk on water” smh lol
— Chris Wright (@Mrwright_11) August 31, 2020
RIP Big John
— Austin Freeman (El Cuatro) (@_SugarFree5) August 31, 2020
✊ BEASTS OF THE EAST .. Rest In Power Coach pic.twitter.com/3Ekns0ATw0
— DaJuan Summers (@DSummersTime) August 31, 2020
Rest Up Big fella. Thank you for all of your words of wisdom, and for being a revolutionary figure in the game of basketball. Your legacy will live forever Big Coach
— Reggie Cameron II (@ReggieCam5) August 31, 2020
#RIPCoachThompson your impact on so many brought fundamental change in what they do and who they become. You were a powerful force of courage when most had none. A true leader and legendary figure! to your family and extended family
— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) August 31, 2020
Coach Thompson was a legend not just because of who he was but because of what he gave. He knew that great play began with self-respect, and that belief in his players changed not only the game, but the lives of every person he coached.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 31, 2020
Georgetown coach John Thompson was a legend and a leader both on and off the court, paving the way for so many who came after him. My condolences are with his family, loved ones, and the entire Hoyas community.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 31, 2020
A poignant tribute from John Carroll to John Thompson on campus at Georgetown pic.twitter.com/mWnDVCAlfb
— Bleed Healy Blue (@HealyBlue) August 31, 2020