The Sports World Reacts To The Passing Of John Thompson Jr.

The sports world is mourning the loss of legendary Georgetown Head Coach John Thompson, who passed away early Monday morning at the age of 78. The details of his death still have not been disclosed.

“Big John” as he was most notably known, became the first African-American head coach to win the NCAA National Championship in 1984. Thompson was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 and was later revered for opening the door for a generation of minority coaches to follow.

Emotional tributes immediately flooded social media as former players, analysts and rivals shared their condolences.

The Sports World Reacts To The Passing Of John Thompson Jr. was originally published on theteam980.com

1.

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

2.

Jim Boeheim: “I think you can make a case that John Thompson is the most impactful coach we’ve ever had.” https://t.co/i54nk4bMJf
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) August 31, 2020

3.

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

4.

RIP John Thompson, one of the game’s greatest coaches. His teams were smart, disciplined and ferocious on defense. Thompson was thoughtful and forceful on social issues, and always took the principled stand. A true giant, on the floor and off. pic.twitter.com/6QeqW3S0T8
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 31, 2020

5.

This year just keep getting worse!!
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!!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) August 31, 2020