On Monday, college basketball collectively mourned the loss of John Thompson Jr. Known by many as the first African American coach to lead a team to the NCAA championship, Thompson’s life and legacy was about so much more than just that. His impact stretched far beyond the Hilltop, and reached more than just the sport of basketball. John Thompson Jr. was a gifted leader, an ardent social activist, and a role model to countless young black men at a time when opportunities were even more closed off for them than they are today. Following the news of Thompson’s passing, former players, fellow coaches, politicians, and cultural icons took to social media to honor the legacy of the Hall of Fame coach.
The NBA on TNT crew even took a page out of Thompson’s wardrobe to honor the Georgetown great.
They weren’t the only ones sporting towels over their shoulders on Monday.
The Georgetown community stands on the shoulders of giants. On Monday, we said goodbye to one of those giants.
Rest in peace, Coach Thompson.
Allen Iverson:
Dikembe Mutombo:
Jagan Mosely:
Patrick Ewing:
Otto Porter:
Jeff Green:
Alonzo Mourning:
Greg Malinowski:
Jaren Jackson:
Lee Reed:
Greg Monroe:
Mike Sweetney:
D’vauntes Smith-Rivera:
Jim Boeheim:
Coach K:
Roy Williams:
Jay Wright:
Ed Cooley:
LaVall Jordan:
Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman:
Lou Carnesecca:
Cuonzo Martin:
Providence College Men’s Basketball:
Adam Silver:
Monty Williams:
Michael Jordan:
Bill Russell (was teammates with Thompson on the Celtics):
Bradley Beal:
Kevin Love:
Kendrick Perkins:
Rich Chvotkin:
Michael Wilbon:
Stephen A. Smith:
Fran Fraschilla:
Kamala Harris:
Muriel Bowser:
Madeleine Albright:
Bill Clinton:
Samuel L. Jackson:
Mike Tomlin:
Dan Rather:
Gene Wang:
Liz Clarke:
Pam Chvotkin:
Washington Nationals:
Washington Mystics:
Ted Leonsis (Capitals/Wizards Owner and Georgetown Alum):
