George Thompsonone of the greatest players in basketball history Marquette, has died at age 74, the school announced Wednesday night.
The university shared the sad news in a tweet … saying that Thompson died of complications from diabetes.
“George had a tremendous impact, not just on the program, but on the entire Milwaukee community after he arrived on campus,” school officials said. “RIP Brute Force.”
The #mubb and @MarquetteU family lost a true legend today with the passing of George Thompson, due to complications from diabetes. George had a huge impact, not just on the program, but on the entire Milwaukee community after he arrived on campus. Brute force RIP pic.twitter.com/ieOYTTXH7m
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) June 9, 2022
@MarquetteMBB
The Brooklyn native stood out at Marquette from 1966 to 1969, playing under the legendary coach Al McGuire. In 87 career games at the school, spread over three seasons, he averaged 20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
He was then selected by the Boston Celtics in the 5th round of the 1969 NBA draft…but chose to start his professional career with the Pittsburgh Pipers of the American Basketball Association.
George spent 5 total seasons in the ABA – playing for the Condors/Memphis Tams for 2 years – before bringing his talents to the NBA to play for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The three-time ABA All-Star only played one season with the Bucks, but his iconic No. 24 jersey hangs in the rafters of the Fiserv Forum thanks to his storied career at Marquette.
Thompson – a member of Marquette’s Hall of Fame – was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.
TO TEAR APART
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