University of North Carolina Athletics
Guthridge, Smith Comment on Thompson Resignation
June 21, 1999 | Men's Basketball
January 8, 1999
CHAPEL HILL --- University of North Carolina head men's basketball coach Bill Guthridge and former coach Dean Smith issued the following statements regarding the resignation of Georgetown head coach John Thompson. Guthridge and Thompson were assistant coaches under Smith on the United States Olympic Team in the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal.
Bill Guthridge:
"John has been a special friend for many years and has given so much to the game of basketball, especially the young men who had the opportunity to learn and grow under his direction. He was a great mentor, not only to those players he coached but those he has touched in many different ways. I hate to see him leave coaching, but if that makes him happy then I support his decision. I am confident John will continue to make a positive impact on people's lives in the years to follow. I am also thrilled another close friend, Craig Esherick, will lead the Hoyas into the next century. Craig will continue the fine Georgetown tradition."
Dean Smith:
"I have been fortunate to call John a special friend for almost 30 years. He was so good for coaching. The profession will miss him greatly. No one, and I mean no one, could have made Georgetown a national power better than John Thompson did when he became the head coach. Every team he ever coached played hard and together and did what he wanted them to do. One of my most cherished moments as a coach was to be on the staff with John on the '76 Olympic Team. His motivational speech prior to the gold medal game was the finest I ever heard. I am disappointed for all those players who won't get a chance to play for him in the future. I know his past players are forever grateful for their opportunity to have played for him. Our close friendship will continue. Certainly Coach Esherick has learned much from Coach Thompson and he has our best wishes as he continues the Georgetown basketball tradition."
