ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - NC Wesleyan University Head Men's Basketball Coach John Thompson has been named by the National Basketball Coaches Association to Chair the NABC Division III Outstanding Service Award Committee. Division III Outstanding Service Awards recognize those who have contributed significantly "inside and outside the lines" of coaching as distinguished members of their communities. The awards are presented annually at the site of the Division I Final Four.
Additionally, Coach Thompson will oversee selection of the Reese's NABC Senior All-Star Game coaches. "I am truly honored and humbled to serve in this capacity with the NABC," said Coach Thompson.
Gary Stewart, President of the NABC stated that "Coach Thompson, has demonstrated throughout his extraordinary career as an administrator and head men's basketball coach at North Carolina Wesleyan to be an incredibly capable and proven leader. Thus, his noteworthy selection to fill an important leadership position in the NABC Division III hierarchy as Chair of the Outstanding Service Award Committee, is well deserved. Coach Thompson is a highly decorated, talented and devoted teacher-coach who will bring unbridled intellect, integrity, and passion to this critical position."
USA Basketball also recently selected Coach Thompson to be part of the USA Basketball Coach Academy in Orlando, FL this October. The USA Basketball Coach Academy is a coaching clinic for coaches of all levels committed to improving their craft. Sessions at the coaches clinic highlight X's and O's, drill demonstrations, offensive and defensive coaching strategy as well as coaching philosophy, leadership training and techniques to impart life skills to players.
"Coach Thompson is a valuable part of USA Basketball's coaching academies. He does a great job helping USA basketball teach coaches about the game. We are pleased Coach Thompson will join us in Orlando on Oct. 1-2," said USA Basketball National Director for Coach Development Don Showalter. In addition to Coach Thompson, other clinicians will include Stan Van Gundy (former Head Coach of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat, and current NBA TV Analyst), Kevin Eastman (former collegiate head coach, NBA assistant coach, NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics in 2008, and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Clippers), and Jay Bilas (ESPN Basketball Analyst).
"The opportunity to work with USA Basketball has been one of the absolute highlights of my career. It is an honor to be a clinician at The Coach Academy," said Coach Thompson.
Coach Thompson will lead his 28th team into this season, which begins on the road at Randolph College November 8th.