College coaches honor late John Thompson with commemorative towels
Men's college basketball coaches are coming together this week to pay tribute to the late John Thompson Jr.
Florida State's Leonard Hamilton, Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg, Purdue's Matt Painter, and others wore towels commemorating the longtime Georgetown coach during their games Monday and Tuesday.
"John Thompson was an icon in our profession, and we wanted to make sure his legacy was celebrated in a prominent way this season," NABC executive director Craig Robinson said in a press release.
"Big John not only achieved the highest levels of coaching success during his career, but he also paved the way for more equitable opportunities for countless Black student-athletes and coaches - me included."
Big John played a very important role in my life. He was a mentor of mine and even better person. I wore that towel with a lot of pride last night. pic.twitter.com/2xaWEmkdIa
— Leonard Hamilton (@FSUCoachHam) February 16, 2021
Tonight, @CoachHoiberg is honoring the late John Thompson by wearing a commemorative towel over his shoulder to mirror his signature look.
— Nebraska Basketball (@HuskerHoops) February 17, 2021
Thompson was a tireless advocate for diversity and equal opportunity for coaches and student-athletes alike. pic.twitter.com/cB8ic8QNsN
Tonight Matt Painter is donning a towel to commemorate the life and career of John Thompson II. #Purdue pic.twitter.com/JzFRtnOb90
— Dakota Simon (@DakotaSimonTV) February 17, 2021
Head Coach @coachdc202 and @DaytonMBB Head Coach @CoachGrantUD participating in the @NABC1927 John Thompson Towel Initiative in tonight's game! pic.twitter.com/PsdB9E9Mm6
— Rhody MBB (@RhodyMBB) February 17, 2021
Thompson coached at Georgetown from 1972 to 1999, leading the Hoyas to a national championship in 1984. He passed away in August at the age of 78.
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