Georgetown Parts Ways with JTIII
Head Coach John Thompson III has been relieved of his duties, according to an early afternoon statement from University President, John J. DeGioia:
It is with profound regret and deep appreciation that I informed John Thompson III this morning that the University will no longer be retaining his services as our Head Men’s Basketball Coach.
In 13 seasons as at the helm, JTIII (as he affectionately known) amassed a 278-151 (.648) record, and led his team to 9 NCAA tournament appearances, highlighted by a 2007 Final Four run. In that same season, the Hoyas were Big East regular season and conference tournament champions.
While Thompson III’s early years were largely successful, the Hoyas brand eventually become synonymous with underachievement and tournament disappointment. In the last 4 seasons, Georgetown has failed to make the tournament in 3 of them. In the years that the team has made the tournament, it hasn’t advanced past the first weekend, suffering upsets to lower seeded teams such as #10 Davidson (2008), #14 Ohio(2010), #11 VCU (2011), #11 N.C. State (2012), and #15 Florida Gulf Coast (2013).
The past failures coupled with consecutive sub-.500 seasons, the decommitment of highly regarded point guard Tremont Waters, and the chorus of former players privately calling for change led to the downward spiral for longtime Hoya coach.
What’s Next:
A Georgetown head coaching job remains a great gig, but it doesn’t come without it some potential entanglements, like dealing with the shadow of John Thompson, Jr.
Just got a couple calls from coaches and agents who may have interest in Georgetown, asking same question: “How… https://t.co/Sar4reGYLz
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 23, 2017
Nevertheless, the allure of a newly-built practice facility and a geographical area rife with talented prospects might be too much to pass up.
Stay tuned…
