On August 30, 2020, A legendary figure in college basketball passed away. Whether you liked him or not, you respected the drive and the coaching style of John Thompson.

John Thompson coached the Georgetown Hoyas for 27 seasons (1972-1999) and led them to 20 tournaments appearances, 3 Final Four appearances and one NCAA championship.  After his retirement in 1999, he was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

However, what you may not know is, during his coaching years, 97% of the student-athletes under Coach Thompson finished with a degree.  This effort was by design because coach Thompson knew they needed to achieve academically.

Coach Thompson kept a deflated basketball in his office as an illustration to players. He did this to show them there is a life after sports. This simple visual aid reminded players that after basketball is over, there is still a life to be lived. Simply put, one day the air will be out of the ball, and what will you do next?

As an example to everyone’s life, like a deflated basketball, there will be a day when the air within us will be gone, and we must answer the question, “Are we prepared for what comes next?”

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

When the air has gone out, are you prepared for what comes next?

Just a thought,