Coaches pay tribute to John Thompson with towel over shoulder

Several college basketball coaching staffs paid tribute to the late John Thompson Jr. during Wednesday’s season-opening games.

ESPN’s Myron Medcalf reported last week that many head coaches would honor Thompson by wearing a towel over their right shoulder, an iconic image in college basketball’s history.

Thompson, who died at 78 in August, was a trailblazer for the sport. He was the first Black coach to win a college basketball national championship when he led Georgetown to a title in 1984 and often spoke on racial issues and equality.

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Here are some of the notable images from Wednesday’s tributes:

Tom Izzo and Rob Murphy pay homage to John Thompson Jr. with the towel draped over the shoulder.

Thompson's signature 👏 pic.twitter.com/nvB5EiYVZE

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 26, 2020

Respect for a legend.

Rest In Peace, John Thompson. Thank you for everything you did for our game. pic.twitter.com/UMj677YoEJ

— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) November 26, 2020

Patrick Ewing and Ed Cooley among the coaches going with the towel to honor the late Big John Thompson who passed Aug. 30 pic.twitter.com/6MDCJto9rM

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) November 25, 2020

In remembrance of the late great #JohnThompson @KSUOWLSMBB HC @sunsetAMIR wears the signature towel over his shoulder for today’s game. #KSUvsCarver pic.twitter.com/fX411lwKKM

— The Crush Sports Network (@CrushSportsTalk) November 25, 2020

.@GW_MBB's Jamion Christian honoring the late John Thompson with his iconic towel over his shoulder. pic.twitter.com/nSXKGwpx6j

— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) November 25, 2020

.⁦@RhodyMBB⁩ coach David Cox also paying the towel tribute to Big John Thompson pic.twitter.com/LUuK7s4Q57

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) November 26, 2020

Along with other college programs across the country, San Jose State Men's Basketball honors the late great John Thompson Jr. this week. pic.twitter.com/cJdvU6Qh5U

— San Jose State Men’s Basketball (@SanJoseStateMBB) November 26, 2020

Lots of homage paid to the late John Thompson today pic.twitter.com/70VwhpFpGs

— Andy Wittry (@AndyWittry) November 25, 2020

Year 2️⃣ of the @Iron_MikeMA era is underway in Queens!

With Coach's towel in tow, @StJohnsBBall is on FS2. #BIGEASThoops pic.twitter.com/3xNMJv7ISZ

— BIG EAST MBB (@BIGEASTMBB) November 26, 2020

ICYMI: @MiamiCoachO honored the late John Thompson Jr., donning a white towel over his right shoulder in today’s 81-67 win over North Dakota.

The lauded @GeorgetownHoops coach passed away in August at age 78, and Owens noted Thompson’s impact in his postgame presser. #RedHawks pic.twitter.com/l49qEq7YJr

— Bennett Wise WSBT (@bennettmwise) November 25, 2020

.@NIUCOACHMONTY is joining many coaches across the country in wearing a towel on his shoulder in honor of the late Georgetown legend John Thompson, who passed away earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/ZrAmMM4701

— NIU Men's Basketball (@GoHuskiesMBB) November 25, 2020

.@GoMocsMBB head coach Lamont Paris wearing the John Thompson towel. pic.twitter.com/E2T5eavEPM

— Gene Henley (@genehenley3) November 25, 2020

Dick Vitale paying tribute to the late John Thompson Jr with a towel over his right shoulder pic.twitter.com/zydAEgPLyX

— Bobby Bancroft (@BobbyBancroft) November 25, 2020