RIP George Thompson

[brewcity77]

Long time scoring leader at Marquette died today. RIP Brute Force.

https://twitter.com/marquettembb/status/1534704331546558465?s=21&t=sttD5Y305_i2Zf0m8_qgIQ

[MuggsyB]

Long time scoring leader at Marquette died today. RIP Brute Force.

https://twitter.com/marquettembb/status/1534704331546558465?s=21&t=sttD5Y305_i2Zf0m8_qgIQ

Omg.  How terrible. 

[drbob]

Had the pleasure of watching him play. Al's first stud. RIP

[Uncle Rico]

Damn.  That's sad.  Never saw him play but knew him still as synonymous with the basketball program. 

That's a poor description.  He was more than that to Marquette basketball.  One of the most important players and successful players in program history.  A guy that stuck around the community after his pro career ended.  Him and Homer brought an energy and enthusiasm to calling Marquette games that made them a joy to listen to.  A true Warrior in every sense

[goan]

He was one of first player that Al got from NY.He was one of the best player in MU history. RIP

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Dang.  Never saw him play but his legend endured.  Rest in Peace Brute Force

[The Lens]

He was the #mubb blueprint.  MU's original GOAT.  The most important player for our most successful era.  Someone who made sure to use basketball and not the other way around.

Quick story time:

In 2016 I was backstage after the Wisconsin Athletic HOF induction ceremonies (I co-produced it) and was thanking George for coming.  Sam Hauser (we have him the prep athlete of the year award) walks by so I grab Sam and introduce him to George. 

George grabs his shirt from near the collar and goes: ARE YOU ANY GOOD?!!?!  We NEED players!

Sam was cool and just very confidently and respectfully said, yes sir, I'm alright.

I loved that George cared as much as we all do and was as bothered by the recent seasons as we were.

George was Al's favorite and for good reason.  From Bed Stuy to Briggs is a hell of story.  He  paved the way for so many others. 

RIP Brute Force, the true leading scorer.

[Scoop Snoop]

So very sad to hear of his death. I was fortunate to see him play for three seasons at Marquette.

[Dr. Blackheart]

May the spotlight shine on his number in the rafters.  May Marquette never try to give out his jersey ever again.

[Scoop Snoop]

May the spotlight shine on his number in the rafters.  May Marquette never try to give out his jersey ever again.

[brewcity77]

May the spotlight shine on his number in the rafters.  May Marquette never try to give out his jersey ever again.

And tomorrow...they announce Sean Jones as #24. 

[MuggsyB]

May the spotlight shine on his number in the rafters.  May Marquette never try to give out his jersey ever again.

Very sad.  I would think that number is retired and perhaps sewn on our jerseys.

[Herman Cain]

It all started with George. As mentioned elsewhere in this thread he was the blueprint of what our program became. Was still a street legend in New York many years after he retired .

RIP Brute Force

[bilsu]

The number is retired. It was a big issue when Crean allowed Lazar Hayward to wear it.

I always went to freshmen games to watch George Thompson play.

His passing is very sad news.

[MU82]

As a player, a true Warrior. I also had the good fortune to interact with him on several occasions and he couldn't have been kinder.

He will be missed.

[MuggsyB]

The number is retired. It was a big issue when Crean allowed Lazar Hayward to wear it.

I always went to freshmen games to watch George Thompson play.

His passing is very sad news.

Oh...right. My bad. 

[Sir Lawrence]

A legend.  In many ways put MU on the map.  And a very good man outside of his incredible athletic ability.  Had the distinct pleasure of toasting George and Ulice Payne several times at the Wisconsin Club.   I hope his journey was peaceful.

[Stretchdeltsig]

I can still picture George, Dean Memminger, Blanton Simmons and Jim O'Boyle playing poker in our apartment on 28th Street.

[Afroman]

RIP. I will always remember listening to the radio when MU won to go to the Final Four and how happy he was.

[We R Final Four]

RIP. I will always remember listening to the radio when MU won to go to the Final Four and how happy he was.

Yes Afroman....me as well!

[The Lens]

The number is retired. It was a big issue when Crean allowed Lazar Hayward to wear it.

You'll note that stunt was pulled after Al died.  TC never had the balls to pull that while Coach was alive.  It speaks to the power of both men.

[MuggsyB]

RIP. I will always remember listening to the radio when MU won to go to the Final Four and how happy he was.

I liked his game commentary with Wade.  "Electroglide".

[Goose]

George Thompson was my first favorite player. I was lucky to have a lot of favorite George memories, but without a doubt my favorite was the hug he gave my at my Mom's funeral.



Thanks for the memories and RIP George Thompson.

[brewcity77]

The number is retired. It was a big issue when Crean allowed Lazar Hayward to wear it.

And when Wojo initially gave it to Haanif Cheatham. Putting a player in #24 is practically a Marquette coaching rite of passage.

[4everwarriors]

Crean fookin' sucks

[4everwarriors]

Dean may have paved Al's driveway, but #24 paved the road to the Final Four and beyond, hey?

[MUWarrior4Life]

RIH Brute Force, the true epitome of a Warrior! 24

[Jockey]

Seeing George play was the reason I went to my 1st MU game. I was just a kid, but my dad wanted me to see him. I've been a Warrior fan ever since. He can have all the French pastry he wants in the Big Beyond.

And, 6'2" power forwards are cool.

[Goose]

jockey

He was my first MU favorite player, and he is a big reason why I became a MU fan as well. He really set the tone for the program and his role in building the program is at a very high level.

[rocket surgeon]

hard news to take-peter vecsey reports "due to diabetes complications" 

doc you are absolutely right on...george opened the door for Al and the new york connection and more, was on!  "home team" is going to be missed

what the hell happened after he "quit" radio?

btw-can't believe espn online has nothing about it as of 8:35 am today

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

And when Wojo initially gave it to Haanif Cheatham. Putting a player in #24 is practically a Marquette coaching rite of passage.

Which lead to probably my best post on Scoop.  George Thompson rapping:

My source now tells me George won the rap battle vs Drake:

You Clearly Canadian while I'm Original New York
Seltzer bubble up every time I go to work
My moves are so sweet, just call me cream soda
Homer tell these fools, I'm more Brute Force than Yoda

Haanif wear 24?  Nah, that I gotta nix
Now I'm seeing ghosts again like it's 2006
'Cept Wojo ain't tan and he don't know karate
And what's this about Diener?  He never tried to call me

Now tell Haanif his choice
If he wants to stay alive
When I say it, heed my voice
Wear number 25 (drops the mic...)

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

RIP Brute Force.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

btw-can't believe espn online has nothing about it as of 8:35 am today

To be honest, while George was a legend here, his pro career only lasted 6 years and 5 of them were in the ABA. I don't think I've ever seen ESPN mention anything about former ABA stars passing.

I don't know if there's a story, why did Thompson's pro career end at 27? His last season with the Bucks he didn't put up eyepopping numbers but they were still very solid and he was only 4 seasons removed from putting up 27 a game in the ABA. Seems like there should have been a spot for him somewhere.

[muwarrior69]

Class of '69; MU was runner-up in 1967 NIT his first season playing varsity ball. I am sure that helped Al recruit the NY/NJ metro region. He got called for 3 quick fouls IIRC in the Regional opener against UK at UK in'68 resulting in our loss, but clobbered them in the rematch when we played them in Madison at the old field house in '69. Thanks for the memories , George.

[Daniel]

Very very sad to hear this.  Thought and prayers to his family and friends.   

[dgies9156]

I remember George well as a youngster watching the 1969 NCAA regional finals. Great player and great man.

We Warriors owe an awful lot to ole Brute Force,

Rest in peace George. You did well!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Here is Ben Steele's article on Tip.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/marquette/2022/06/08/marquette-basketball-legend-george-thompson-dies-74/7562906001/

[Viper]

Had the pleasure of watching him play. Al's first stud. RIP

amen. With Al, George got Marquette uptown.

[Afroman]

I've always been curious ...

After playing five successful seasons in the ABA, George played one season with the Bucks, averaging 10.7 ppg in 27 minutes a game. He was 27 years old and didn't play pro ball after that. Did he get injured?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I've always been curious ...

After playing five successful seasons in the ABA, George played one season with the Bucks, averaging 10.7 ppg in 27 minutes a game. He was 27 years old and didn't play pro ball after that. Did he get injured?

I don't know if there's a story, why did Thompson's pro career end at 27? His last season with the Bucks he didn't put up eyepopping numbers but they were still very solid and he was only 4 seasons removed from putting up 27 a game in the ABA. Seems like there should have been a spot for him somewhere.

I have the same question. Anyone know the story? It looks like he ended up playing Brazil for a few years.

[swoopem]

To be honest, while George was a legend here, his pro career only lasted 6 years and 5 of them were in the ABA. I don't think I've ever seen ESPN mention anything about former ABA stars passing.

I don't know if there's a story, why did Thompson's pro career end at 27? His last season with the Bucks he didn't put up eyepopping numbers but they were still very solid and he was only 4 seasons removed from putting up 27 a game in the ABA. Seems like there should have been a spot for him somewhere.

I'm watching sportscenter and his death has been scrolling on the bottom line. Nothing about his ABA career but they acknowledge he was MU's leading scorer for 40 years

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Well I guess we can take this off the gripe list. 

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34063979/former-marquette-basketball-star-george-thompson-dies-74

[Dr. Blackheart]

Well I guess we can take this off the gripe list. 

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34063979/former-marquette-basketball-star-george-thompson-dies-74

This was posted on the World News 12 hours ago.  They are always on top of the breaking news.   

https://youtu.be/v1ExRbiPAUE

[real chili 83]

Well I guess we can take this off the gripe list. 

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34063979/former-marquette-basketball-star-george-thompson-dies-74

You need to clear that with Mugsy.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I'm watching sportscenter and his death has been scrolling on the bottom line. Nothing about his ABA career but they acknowledge he was MU's leading scorer for 40 years

I just got an ESPN alert on my phone.

[Hards Alumni]

You need to clear that with Mugsy.

check yer facts

[Billy Hoyle]

I'm watching sportscenter and his death has been scrolling on the bottom line. Nothing about his ABA career but they acknowledge he was MU's leading scorer for 40 years

That in itself is an amazing fact. He only played for three years, without a three point line, and without a shot clock. Travis was the first Golden Eagle to legitimately threaten breaking the record, until his season ending injury, over 30 years later.

My most amusing memory of George was the Blue and Gold Auction. One could bid on sitting in with Homer and George for a game and dammit, I wanted that. George kept bidding it up until it was over $3K and was laughing as he did it. I did not get the highest bid. Oh yeah, and referring to a play as a "wang dang doodle."

RIP, George. 

[MarquetteMike1977]

George's name was on the ESPN ticker today.
Am very sorry and sad to hear. George was a kind and great man. Will always remember him getting us drinks in 2003 on the road to the Final Four. Will miss George RIP

[willie warrior]

An all timer from Als  early
days
RIP

[MuggsyB]

You need to clear that with Mugsy.

It's acceptable even though it was late.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Just received this from an alum.  George was a super good guy as well as a tremendous BBPlayer. He did put MU on the map as far as Basketball was concerned. I knew him well as we had a house on 16th st. where he and some of his teammates would often stop by . We would break out the poker table and a friendly round of poker would commence. The winners each afternoon would donate their pots and spring for a round of deli sandwiches. Good memories of a sweet guy.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34063979/former-marquette-basketball-star-george-thompson-dies-74

[Lennys Tap]

RIP, George, and thanks for the memories...

George was the star of the team my first 3 years at MU. NIT runner up to Southern Illinois (and Clyde Frazier) in 1967, S16 in '68 and E8 in '69 (a Ric Cobb missed FT away from a FF). The picture of him with him standing at center court, arms raised in triumph after beating Adolf Rupp and Kentucky in the S16 game in '69 is one of my all time favorites.

[MU82]

RIP, George, and thanks for the memories...

George was the star of the team my first 3 years at MU. NIT runner up to Southern Illinois (and Clyde Frazier) in 1967, S16 in '68 and E8 in '69 (a Ric Cobb missed FT away from a FF). The picture of him with him standing at center court, arms raised in triumph after beating Adolf Rupp and Kentucky in the S16 game in '69 is one of my all time favorites.

Thanks for sharing that memory, Tony.

[Scoop Snoop]

RIP, George, and thanks for the memories...

George was the star of the team my first 3 years at MU. NIT runner up to Southern Illinois (and Clyde Frazier) in 1967, S16 in '68 and E8 in '69 (a Ric Cobb missed FT away from a FF). The picture of him with him standing at center court, arms raised in triumph after beating Adolf Rupp and Kentucky in the S16 game in '69 is one of my all time favorites.

[MUfan12]

Homer talked a bunch about George today on his show.

https://wisconsinondemand.com/podcasts/homer-gabe/

[Herman Cain]

There was no 3 point line and no shot clock when George played. The middle and inside was clogged .  Al frequently took the air out of the ball when MU got a lead .

The fact that George averaged over 20 points a game in those conditions in incredible . He had an incredible jump shot  that allowed him to elevate over the defense .   The 68-69 team was a lot of fun to watch.

[muwarrior69]

Who runs the MU basketball facebook account? No mention of George at all. You would think they would post the OBITS of past MU players.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Who runs the MU basketball facebook account? No mention of George at all. You would think they would post the OBITS of past MU players.

Literally, their last post is about Thompson. They also posted a tribute the day after Thompson passed.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Literally, their last post is about Thompson. They also posted a tribute the day after Thompson passed.

And he is the cover photo.

https://www.facebook.com/MarquetteMensBB/

[Uncle Rico]

Literally, their last post is about Thompson. They also posted a tribute the day after Thompson passed.

LOL

[muwarrior69]

Well I never saw it on my facebook feed. All I ever saw was all the number changes for the current players. I'm not a big social media guy so my apologies.

Edit: I must have just missed it as it indicates it was just posted 14 hours ago in my feed.

[dyckesville]

I remember when Marquette was playing Detroit with Spencer Haywood and the radio announcers made it sound like Brute Force was destroying him down low.  Great memories! Also, a vivid memory was the time that a neighbor kid that played for Marquette, he had George, Dean and some others over for dinner. Quite a show on the hoops for us kids. RIP George

[Newsdreams]

Well I never saw it on my facebook feed. All I ever saw was all the number changes for the current players. I'm not a big social media guy so my apologies.

Edit: I must have just missed it as it indicates it was just posted 14 hours ago in my feed.

You do know that Facebook doesn't go by chronological order of publication any longer, right? Goes more by views and likes and crap like that unless you adjust settings and sort of cancel most of that.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Who runs the MU basketball facebook account? No mention of George at all. You would think they would post the OBITS of past MU players.

Totally.  Between this and the lack of activity on MySpace...total lack of respect. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Well I never saw it on my facebook feed. All I ever saw was all the number changes for the current players. I'm not a big social media guy so my apologies.

Edit: I must have just missed it as it indicates it was just posted 14 hours ago in my feed.

That was one post. There was a another one days ago. You should probably actually click on the Marquette basketball page and check if they posted something before accusing them of being bad at their jobs

[MU82]

Why hasn't anybody on Scoop mentioned George Thompson passing away? You'd think there'd be at least one thread dedicated to that all-time great Warrior, maybe even with the subject line "RIP George Thompson" or something.

Jeesh, Scoop ... get with it!

[goan]

Does anyone have information on funeral arrangements?