’Big John’: Former Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. dies

Known as “Big John,” Former Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. has died.

He was 78.

Thompson took the Hoyas to the 1984 national championship, as well as three Final Fours and won seven Big East Titles, ESPN reported.

He was the first Black coach to win the NCAA championship, WJLA reported, taking over the program in 1972, WTOP reported.

Thompson also coached the 1988 United States national team at the Olympics, earning the bronze medal.

He retired in 1999, but continued to be an adviser until his death, WTOP reported.

Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing credited Thompson for his success.

“This is a person that, when I came to college -- I was 18 -- helped me grow. Even though my mom and dad were always there, he was always a person I could pick up the phone and call if I had a problem or if I had a question,” Ewing who is the current Georgetown coach, said last year, according to ESPN.

Thompson also coached three other Hall of Fame players while at Georgetown: Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Allen Iverson.

An autobiography about Thompson’s life is expected to be published in January, WJLA reported.

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Dawn Wells FILE PHOTO: Actress Dawn Wells attends the 2015 TV Land Awards at Saban Theatre on April 11, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. Wells died Wednesday of illness related to COVID-19. She was 82. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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