John Thompson Jr., who became the first Black head coach to lead a team to an NCAA national championship, has died at 78.
Thompson coached the Georgetown University men’s team, with a national title in 1984, and led the U.S. national team to a bronze medal in the 1988 Summer Olympic Games.
His death was announced by his family on Monday.
Thompson was known for his success in developing Georgetown’s basketball program and winning several conference titles for the school while facing racism from some fans and critics. He faced at least one instance of a racist banner being displayed at a Georgetown game referring to him directly, according to ESPN, and faced other criticism for his promotion of Black players on Georgetown’s team.
In one instance in 1989, he walked off the court before a game to protest an NCAA policy on scholarships for academically ineligible students that he said would discriminate against minority students.
He was also known for protecting his players, including in one situation that resulted in Thompson confronted a local drug kingpin who would later be arrested and convicted on trafficking charges after several players befriended him.
He was honored Monday on Twitter by Providence College, his alma mater.
“The Friar family mourns the loss of John Thompson ‘64. He was a legendary player and an even greater person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family,” the college wrote in a tweet, adding: “Rest In Peace.”
“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,” added Allen Iverson, a Georgetown alum and former NBA star.