Former Marquette basketball player George Thompson has left for the heavenly abode. He passed away at the age of 74. Our hearts go out to the friends and family of the champion. Continue reading to know more about the cause of his death.
What was the cause of George’s death?
The university shared the sad news in a tweet on the social media platform Twitter. He died on June 8, 2022. In the tweet, it was stated that George passed away due to complications from diabetes.
The tweet read, “The #mubb and @MarquetteU family lost a true legend today with the passing of George Thompson, due to complications from diabetes. George made a tremendous impact, not only on the program, but the entire Milwaukee community after his arrival on campus. 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 made a tremendous impact, not only on the program, but the entire Milwaukee community after his arrival on campus. RIP Brute Force pic.twitter.com/ieOYTTXH7m
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) June 9, 2022
When did George step into the world of Basketball?
George Thompson was born on November 29, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S. He went to Erasmus Hall High School from which he graduated in the year 1965. Soon afterward, he attended Marquette University, where he played for coach Al McGuire.
Thompson was picked by the Boston Celtics in the fifth round of the 1969 NBA draft but he began his basketball career with the Pittsburgh Pipers of the upstart American Basketball Association. Then, he was selected by Memphis Tams, followed by Milwaukee Bucks where he played for one season.
The 3-time ABA All-Star was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. He was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. We must George Thompson was one of the greatest players of all time.
How did the fans react to the demise of the basketball star?
As soon as the news of Thompson’s passing away came out, the fans couldn’t stop themselves from paying tributes to the great player on the social media platform Twitter.
One user wrote, “So sorry to hear of the passing of Marquette legend George Thompson. He was a gentleman and a good friend. I’ll miss our talks. One of my favorite people. RIP George. Condolences and Prayers for Karen and the family.”
So sorry to hear of the passing of Marquette legend George Thompson. He was a gentleman and a good friend. I’ll miss our talks. One of my favorite people. RIP George. Condolences and Prayers for Karen and the family.
— Kent Sommerfeld (@KentSommerfeld) June 9, 2022
Another user tweeted, Just learned “George Thompson, 74, died f/ diabetes complications. The 6-2 scoring/rebounding guard (BK’s Erasmus HS) was Al McGuire‘s 1st great player at Marquette, later teaming w/ Dean Meminger in backcourt. Distinguished 3-time All Star ABA career. Solid player. Better dude!!”
Just learned George Thompson, 74, died f/ diabetes complications. The 6-2 scoring/rebounding guard (BK’s Erasmus HS) was Al McGuire‘s 1st great player at Marquette, later teaming w/ Dean Meminger in backcourt. Distinguished 3-time All Star ABA career. Solid player. Better dude!!
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) June 9, 2022
Followed by a user who penned, “George Thompson.. “The Original Dwyane Wade”…as stated by Shaka Smart at the MQ b’ball banquet where Brute Force got a standing ovation..So lucky to have worked MQ games with him and to have been a good friend..I have never cried on a radio show in 40 years. I will cry tomorrow.”
George Thompson.. "The Original Dwyane Wade"…as stated by Shaka Smart at the MQ b'ball banquet where Brute Force got a standing ovation..So lucky to have worked MQ games with him and to have been a good friend..I have never cried on a radio show in 40 years. I will cry tomorrow
— Steve HomerTrue (@espnhomer) June 9, 2022
One user tweeted, “RIP George Thompson. Despite not having a football team since 1960, Thompson was Marquette’s last draft pick (1969 NFL/AFL Draft) and the first MU player to suit up for the Milwaukee Bucks. He spent 6 seasons in the ABA & NBA. Thompson ranks 4th all-time in scoring for #mubb.”
RIP George Thompson. Despite not having a football team since 1960, Thompson was Marquette’s last draft pick (1969 NFL/AFL Draft) and the first MU player to suit up for the Milwaukee Bucks. He spent 6 seasons in the ABA & NBA. Thompson ranks 4th all-time in scoring for #mubb. pic.twitter.com/08aLNBoOwP
— Mike Cianciolo (@MikeCianciolo) June 9, 2022
Another user wrote, “So sad to hear about the passing of George Thompson. “Brute Force” was a beast on the basketball court. One of greatest in MU history, an ABA All-star, a unique broadcasting style alongside @espnhomer but most of all a gentle, sweet man who was so kind to me. #RIPGeorge”
So sad to hear about the passing of George Thompson. “Brute Force” was a beast on the basketball court. One of greatest in MU history, an ABA All-star, a unique broadcasting style alongside @espnhomer but most of all a gentle, sweet man who was so kind to me. #RIPGeorge
— Dan Needles (@dneedles12) June 9, 2022
These were a few reactions of the fans to the passing away of the basketball legend. We send our deepest condolences to the close friends and family of George Thompson during this hard time. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of showbiz
