DC-area tidbits in small bites
John Thompson is a pillar of the Washington community. He is a fixture on the radio and THE go-to source for opinion and insight on the game of basketball. It is hard to imagination basketball in the DMV region without John Thompson, who not only transformed the fortunes of Georgetown's college basketball program, but arguably changed the way that college basketball was viewed during the 1980s. Which is why the question that Jay Bilas answers in his ESPN Insider article today is both interesting as well as disconcerting:
Why is there not a court or building named after John Thompson?
Last year at a Big East tournament game, I was struck by the fact that the Big East honored the 25th anniversary of Villanova's upset of Georgetown at halftime of a game but did not honor the 25th anniversary of the Hoyas' national championship the year before. Georgetown's title in 1984 marked the first time that an African-American coach won an NCAA title.
Even today, there is no court named for Thompson, either at McDonough Gym or at the Verizon Center.
So why have we forgotten to honor John Thompson? Is there something insidious afoot in D.C.?
I think the answer lies in the fact that no one loves to celebrate Goliath, no matter how impressive his achievements. Thompson's 1980s Hoyas were seen as bullies and foils for scrappy underdogs like Villanova. It was fun to root against Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo. Giants are meant to be felled.
However, lost amidst all that noise is the fact the John Thompson has done more for the game of basketball in Washington than any other figure. He deserve to be honored for his accomplishments, the least of which would be naming a court in his honor. If Abe Pollin merits a street in the District, well John Thompson should at least have a statue.
5 comments
Comments
Impact Contiues
I agree that JT has had a considerable impact on college sports. But I think one reason he hasn’t been honored is that he’s never really left. He never rode off into the sunset. We haven’t had to say good-bye just yet. Here’s hoping he continues to loom large over all DC for years to come.
by 44ever on Jul 23, 2010 1:20 PM EDT reply actions
completely agree
Good talk.
Casual Hoya
by Casual Hoya on Jul 23, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Thompson
Three theories:
1. Georgetown is a jesuit school and the school might be hesitant on honoring Thompson since he’s black, which would be a farce since his program poured in tons of money and put Georgetown (and DC) on the map.
2. Gerogetown play mostly in Verizon Center and since you have a few teams play there, its hard to name a court after him, although Ted Leonsis is a GTown alum.
3. Thompson does not want the attention. He wanted to be known for graduating players and help them into the real world than as a coach.
I Blame Yanni!!!
by tracytran on Jul 23, 2010 1:59 PM EDT reply actions
Please tell me that first reason is a joke?
as for 2. Georgetown has their own court that is laid down at the verizon center so it would be very easy to do.
I think 3 is definitely a big part of it. I also agree with 44’s point.
by hoyasincebirth on Jul 23, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
He accepted the recognition from the cuse synagogue...
I think he is still a huge part of Georgetown and DC, and memorializing him with a statue is too early.
Start by naming the practice facility after him.
Leonsis is also on the Georgetown BOD, as is Alonzo Mourning apparently (mentioned in the Citizen of the Year acceptance speech Thompson gave)
Good talk.
Casual Hoya
by Casual Hoya on Jul 23, 2010 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
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