Skip to main content Search this website
OPEN DAILY 10AM - 4PM, BACKPACKS & LARGE BAGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE MUSEUM
1-877-4-HOOPLA
Mobile navigation toggle icon
Photo of John Thompson

John R. Thompson

When John Thompson stepped into the head coaching position at Georgetown University in 1972, he notified his team, which had compiled an anemic 3-23 record the previous year, that one day Georgetown would be national champions. The combination of Thompson’s strong will and his even stronger commitment to his players' lives off the basketball court helped him achieve his goal when in 1984 the Hoyas rattled off six straight wins in the NCAA Tournament. In 27 years at Georgetown, Thompson won nearly 600 games. Thompson's teams made 24 consecutive postseason appearances (19 NCAA, 5 NIT) and won seven Big East tournament championships. Even more impressive was the fact that 75 of his 77 players who remained all four years received degrees and 26 of his players were drafted in the NBA, including Patrick Ewing who was the NBA’s first lottery pick in 1985. Thompson, himself 6’10”, knew a great big man when he saw one and the list of centers that served under him includes Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, and Alonzo Mourning.

Enshrined

1999

Born

September 02, 1941 Washington, DC

Died

August 30, 2020

College

Georgetown

Career Stats

1984 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP
GEORGETOWN
3x NCAA FINAL FOURS
3x NATIONAL
COACH OF THE YEAR
3x BIG EAST
COACH OF THE YEAR
7x BIG EAST TOURNAMENT
CHAMPIONS
14 CONSECUTIVE NCAA
TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES