UNC Basketball: Michael Jordan releases statement on John Thompson

Former UNC Basketball great Michael Jordan released a statement on the passing of coach John Thompson early Monday morning

The year 2020 continues to be a painful one as we deal with the lives lost due to COVID-19 as well as the passing of icons.

On Monday, legendary Georgetown head coach John Thompson passed away at the age of 78 as the basketball world mourns his death. Thompson led Georgetown to the 1984 national championship, becoming the first black head coach to do so in college basketball history. He also built up the program during the 80’s while leading the Hoyas to three Final Fours and winning seven Big East Titles.

Thompson and his Hoyas’ squad were always respected when they took the court especially in their battles with Dean Smith and the North Carolina Tar Heels, including the 1982 National Championship Game.

UNC legend Michael Jordan, who hit the game-winning shot against Thompson’s Hoyas, released as statement on the respected coach on Monday morning:

"“Coach Thompson was truly a great man and a legend in college basketball,” Jordan wrote. “He had such a profound impact on his players and was a father figure to so many of them. I admired him and love shim dearly. My deepest condolences to his family and the Georgetown community.”"

Thompson was really one of a kind when it came to coaching. He is credited with helping develop Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo in his coaching career. All four players are members of the Naismith Hall of Fame. In addition to those four, Thompson has also coached several other very talented players.

The coach was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 1999 and then seven years later in 2006 was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

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