Allen Iverson: Georgetown should keep John Thompson III
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Allen Iverson is among those backing John Thompson III, as the Georgetown legend suggested Wednesday the program should stick with its embattled coach.
"I think everyone, honestly, is panicking," Iverson told ESPN's Jeff Goodman while taking in the Hoyas' first-round loss to St. John's in the Big East tournament. "I see the future being bright for us. ... I'm going to support my team no matter what, but he's a great coach as well. Three Big East championships."
Thompson has been the subject of hot-seat rumors for quite some time, but speculation ramped up down the season's stretch. The Hoyas finished 2016-17 with a 14-18 overall record, marking their second straight 18-loss season. Georgetown also finished second last in the Big East.
"I still believe he's the right guy, I really do," added Iverson, who played for JT3's legendary father, John Thompson Jr., in the mid-1990s. "I know him. I know he knows basketball. He grew up under the greatest coach ever to me, I talk basketball with him all the time. I know. Obviously, I'm optimistic about this whole deal. It's in my blood."
Thompson refused to address his status after Wednesday's 74-73 defeat, but Iverson said Georgetown's players need to take more responsibility for the program's recent shortcomings.
"One thing about them, I'm not talking down on my little guys, but you've got to be accountable," he said. "It has to show up on the floor. I'm not talking down on them. I'm here tonight and they are giving everything they have. Sometimes you come up short."
Several former Hoyas previously voiced their displeasure with the direction of the program under Thompson, but were adamant about remaining anonymous out of fear of running into his father.
Alas, Iverson wasn't one of them.
"As long as there's a positive environment, and you keep everything positive, I think positive things will happen," he said. "It's tough for me, but my support is there."