Georgetown icon John Thompson Jr. cast a looming aura over college basketball.
In person, his stature intimidated with his vintage sideline look – a towel slung over this shoulder and his face in a perpetual scowl. In accomplishment, he inspired generations of Black coaches to follow in his footsteps as the first African-American coach to win an NCAA title. In legacy, his impact transcended the game as he built Georgetown into a cultural force, demanded reform from the NCAA and fought for the rights of young Black coaches and athletes.
John Thompson Jr. – known as “Big John” in basketball circles – has died.