John Robert Thompson Jr.
- Born:
- September 2, 1941, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Died:
- August 30, 2020, Arlington, Virginia, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Basketball Coach, Commentator
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C.
- Played basketball at Providence College, leading the team to the NIT title in 1963.
- Graduated from Providence College in 1964 with a degree in sociology.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began coaching career at St. Anthony Catholic School in Washington, D.C.
- Served as the head basketball coach at Archbishop Carroll High School (1966-1972), winning three city championships. This experience was the foundation for future high school basketball coach biography analyses.
- Head Basketball Coach at Georgetown University (1972-1997).
- Led Georgetown to the 1984 NCAA Championship.
- Three-time Big East Coach of the Year (1980, 1987, 1992).
- Coached the 1988 U.S. Olympic basketball team to a bronze medal.
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
Notable Works
- Authored the book "I Came As A Shadow" (2020).
- Served as a basketball analyst for Turner Sports and ESPN.
Legacy and Impact
John Thompson Jr. left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball, particularly at the collegiate level. He was a transformative figure, known for his coaching acumen, advocacy for his players, and commitment to social justice. He broke barriers and paved the way for African-American coaches in college basketball.