Former Georgetown Hoya basketball coach John Thompson dies at 78

Former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson, the first Black coach to lead a team to the NCAA, has died at 78. 

His death was announced Monday morning in a statement from the family released by Georgetown on Twitter. 

“We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our father, John Thompson, Jr.” the family said. “Our father was an inspiration to many and devoted his life to developing young people not simply on, but most importantly, off the basketball court. We know that he will be deeply missed by many and our family appreciates your condolences and prayers.”

Thompson became a top player and got into John Carroll, a Catholic high school, where he led the team to 55 consecutive victories and two city titles. He went to Providence College and led his team to the first NCAA bid in school history. He graduated in 1964 and played two seasons with Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics, then returning to Washington for his master’s degree.

Thompson took over the Georgetown program in the 1970’s and became a well known figure in the sport and as a mentor to his  players. He led the Georgetown Hoyas to 14 straight NCAA tournaments, 24 consecutive postseason appearances, three Final Fours and won six Big East tournament championships.

“I’ll probably be remembered for all the things that kept me out of the Hall of Fame, ironically, more than for the things that got me into it,” Thompson said in 1999 on the day he was inducted into the hall.