Recently Sports Illustrated put out a Thrill List that ranked the Top-10 players in the history of college basketball who were the all-time bests at "quickening the pulse and evoking a visceral response from those fortunate enough to have witnessed their artistry." David Thompson, the legendary Pack alum, tops the list that includes Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Pete Maravich and Michael Jordan.Here is what SI had to say about the high flying David Thompson:
"David Thompson, NC State The North Carolina State forward popularized the term vertical leap by using breathtaking ups to convert alley-oop passes. It wouldn't have been quite as thrilling if he hadn't played during (dunk) prohibition; as with so many of life's pleasures, it's often worth leaving a little something to the imagination."
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6 Responses to "Thompson Tops SI's Thrill List"It's kind of an injustice really, but that's what David Thompson is known for, the WOW and THRILL!!! factor.
But if you weren't around back in those days, I am here to tell you that David Thompson was the ultimate inside/outside/offensive/defensive/ball hawking/shot blocking/rebounding weapon, and a BB player who
possessed probably the sweetest, high arcing, shooting stroke that I have ever seen.
He IS the MOST COMPLETE BB player to EVER set foot on a college BB court!!!
I don't think he played his freshmen year; any chance we could get one more year of eligibility from him?
^AG, all players were required to play one year of JV ball back then.
If you look at any NCSU game program and go back over his stats, considering it was done without the shot clock, without the three point shot, and all in just THREE seasons, it's pretty amazing stuff!
Oh I'm aware. It was just my silly attempt at humor:)
It is indeed amazing to think about what he could have accomplished had he played all four years. He was a pioneer.
Both he and Monte Towe developed the famed ally-oop used today. He floated above the rim, gently placing the ball in; reserving his jamming abilities until later of course.
Best ACC basketball player… yes Jordan… the best!
Not only was DT the best all around basketball player ever in the ACC, he is one of the most genuine down to earth people you will ever meet if you get the chance. Last week I was vacationing at the beach and who do I see staying in the house right next to me but DAVID THOMPSON. He was walking on the beach in a red NC STATE shirt and actually stopped to talk to me since I was wearing my State hat. He was even nice enough to talk old school memeories with my father and take a picture with me even though he was relaxing on vacation himself. (PS WPH If I had a way to post a picture I would shard w/ everyone)
DT doesnt care anymore about records or how he is remembered, only that he has the ring on his finger to prove '73 was one of the best teams ever in NCAA history. TRUE CLASS ACT AND WOLFPACKER FOR LIFE!!!!
^PL,
I played BB with DT a couple of times, just in pick up games, and everything you said about him is true. He's a VERY pleasant guy, who just happens to possess every imaginable tool that the game of BB requires. DT could go from just playing around for fun, to all out intensity and get very serious about the game of BB in a HEARTBEAT, and whenever he chose to. AND, he could make you feel about two feet tall, like you don't even belong on the same plant whenever he decided to do just that. But to me, David Thompson always played against the game itself, or against himself, while searching to see just how far he could push the limits of his God-given talent and abilities.
I saw him swat shots away, and dunk on people, then smile and laugh after he did. But he was laughing WITH the person he had just dunked on, because it never seemed like David Thompson was trying to show off or one-up anyone. Instead, he was just doing what came so naturally to him, and he did to the awesome delight of anyone who was ever privileged enough to watch him play the game up close and personal.
Me included.
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