Thompson, John Jr.

1941-2020 · Contribution: 1984

College basketball coach

First African American head coach to win a major college basketball championship

Sports & Athletics: collage image
Sports & Athletics

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Quick facts

Born
1941, Washington, D.C.
Active since
1972
Category
Sports & Athletics
Best known for
First Black head coach to win a major college basketball title

Impact on the world

Thompson broke a barrier at the pinnacle of college basketball while insisting his players earn degrees, becoming a fierce advocate for Black student-athletes.

An alternative history

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Sources

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    Georgetown University

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