Former Boston Celtics big man and renowned coach, mentor and analyst John Thompson passed away early Monday according to a statement released by Georgetown University, where he coached for 27 years after playing two seasons for Boston in the 1960s.
A graduate of Providence College, Thompson was drafted by the Celtics 25th overall in the 1964 NBA Draft, and would win two banners with the team in 1964 and 1965, averaging 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds over that stretch as Bill Russell’s backup.
The Washington, D.C. native would coach high school basketball after retiring before picking up the Georgetown gig, where he became the first Black coach to win an NCAA championship in 1984.
Our condolences to the Thompson family during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, John. pic.twitter.com/DcqQKfty02
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 31, 2020
Georgetown would produce a number of notable NBA players under Thompson’s tenure, including Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Patrick Ewing, and the former Celtic would enjoy a long career as analyst after his coaching days ended.
I worked with John closely @NBAonTNT What a blast! We had so many laughs, in preparation, on the airplane and on the air. His legacy will live on. I was grateful to see the relaxed and funny side of him. God bless his family🙏🏼#leader #mentor #coach #friend #RipCoachThompson
— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) August 31, 2020
President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge shared his condolences for the family of the coaching legend on Twitter, with whom he shared a broadcast booth in the past as well as Celtics alumni status.
“I worked with John closely [on TNT],” wrote Ainge. “What a blast! We had so many laughs, in preparation, on the airplane and on the air. His legacy will live on. I was grateful to see the relaxed and funny side of him. God bless his family #leader #mentor #coach #friend #RipCoachThompson”
Thompson left behind a small army of lives that he’d touched as a player, coach, mentor, co-worker and friend.
His legacy was truly legendary as an ambassador for the sports over a half-century of life, and he will be missed greatly by many.
Rest in Peace.
