Basketball world reacts to John Thompson Jr.'s death

Legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. has died at age 78.

Players, coaches and those in the basketball world took to social media to reflect on what Thompson meant to them.

View this post on Instagram

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. I would give anything just for one more phone call from you only to hear you say, "Hey MF", then we would talk about everything except basketball. May you always Rest in Paradise, where there is no pain or suffering. I will always see your face in my mind, hoping that I made you proud. "Your Prodigal Son". #Hoya4Life

A post shared by Allen Iverson (@theofficialai3) on Aug 31, 2020 at 6:35am PDT

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Very sad news to wake up to on this cloudy morning. Our legendary Georgetown coach, John Thompson has passed away. He was my mentor, great teacher, hero and a father figure to so many us who got the chance to play for him. Under coach Thompson, I learned a lot about the game of basketball but most importantly, I learned how to be a man in society. We will really miss him. RIP coach. 💔💔💔

A post shared by Dikembe Mutombo (@dofficialmutombo) on Aug 31, 2020 at 6:56am PDT

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Coach John Thompson JR. He was a true builder of young boys to men. Set the tone for all of us. We will remember him as a coach. But anyone who came in contact realized, he was much more.... A mountain of a man. My prayers to the Thompson family. Thank you for sharing him with us all. Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Morning, Allen Iverson, Dikemba Mutombo, Sleepy Floyd, Reggie Williams....

A post shared by Doc Rivers (@docrivers) on Aug 31, 2020 at 7:22am PDT

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. I would give anything just for one more phone call from you only to hear you say, "Hey MF", then we would talk about everything except basketball....... pic.twitter.com/03yj4gZv5q

— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) August 31, 2020

Georgetown University, the sport of basketball and the world has lost someone who I consider to be a father figure, confidant and role model.

We will all miss you, Coach Thompson - but we will never forget you. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/1nP8YHLU4x

— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) August 31, 2020

RIP John Thompson, one of the game's greatest coaches. His teams were smart, disciplined and ferocious on defense. Thompson was thoughtful and forceful on social issues, and always took the principled stand. A true giant, on the floor and off. pic.twitter.com/6QeqW3S0T8

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 31, 2020

Statement from Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/PL8ASREKFD

— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) August 31, 2020

This year just keep getting worse!!
RIP COACH JOHN THOMPSON. I was honored to have the opportunity to pick your brain and learn from you while in DC. You had the look of intimidation and focus but had the mindset of a wise man. You're a legend and will truly be missed!!

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) August 31, 2020

RIP to the Georgetown legend John Thompson. He coached Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning amongst others and won 7 Coach of the year awards in his lifetime. Prayers up for his family and friends. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/dDpFaCW9vg

— Renee Montgomery (@itsreneem_) August 31, 2020

(1/3) We lost a great basketball coach and a great person with the passing of my friend John Thompson. He was a leader in the game and in life. John empowered all coaches but especially Black coaches and Black players. pic.twitter.com/QfggH6asfk

— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) August 31, 2020

John Thompson passed away last night.

He was the first Black coach to win a NCAA title.

He won two as a player w the Celtics.

He had a 97% graduation rate for his players at Georgetown.

Here is Allen Iverson thanking John for saving his life.🌎🏀💔 pic.twitter.com/QY88pOWeHC

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) August 31, 2020

So many lives were changed by great men like Coach Thompson. https://t.co/mJyVR3TpDy

— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) August 31, 2020

Saddened to hear about the passing of John Thompson Jr.
Growing up in the DC area and watching him build the Georgetown program from the ground up was an inspiration.
His family, friends, former players and all those he inspired are in my thoughts and prayers today. pic.twitter.com/qVOB325I8j

— Mike Brey (@NDMikeBrey) August 31, 2020

We lost a giant last night. He was ahead of his time. John Thompson, John Chaney & Nolan Richardson in the 80's were fighting the fight long before the "bubble." (And, don't believe what you heard. He was a big teddy bear of a man.) RIP, Large Father. pic.twitter.com/QODMyDcEfp

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) August 31, 2020

RIP John Thompson. One of the all time best coaches and mentors in college basketball history. 💔🙏🏻

— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 31, 2020

A coach and man that I admired dearly. Watched the impact that he had on young men and admired him even more for that! RIP Coach! https://t.co/yBq5B2TLhX

— J.B. Bickerstaff (@jbbickerstaff_) August 31, 2020

Statement from @TedLeonsis on the passing of Coach John Thompson Jr. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q0W7Qd8Kmw

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) August 31, 2020

Growing up in the DMV, there was never a doubt that you could build a dominant program as an African-American. John Thompson is a legend that made us all proud. RIP 🙏🏽

— Kara Lawson (@karalawson20) August 31, 2020

I met Coach John Thompson when our Cal WBB team played at Georgetown in Nov 2013. A larger than life figure that I revered on the tv, in person he was kind, gracious and thoughtful. RIP to an icon, on the court and off.

— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CoachLindsayG) August 31, 2020