Looking back on Allen Iverson's emotional HoF speech, credits John Thompson with saving his life

The basketball world lost another legend on Monday when information came out that NCAA coach John Thompson had passed away. The longtime Georgetown coach was the first Black head coach to win an NCAA National Championship, and he’s credited in helping the development of basketball legends Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and Allen Iverson.

Iverson in particular had a special bond with the coach, and on Monday the Philadelphia 76ers legend said goodbye to his former coach and mentor with an emotional tweet.

This isn’t the first time A.I. has credited Thompson with saving his life. Back in 2016, Iverson held a special place in his Hall of Fame speech in which he emotionally credits Coach Thompson with saving his life.

Thompson taking a chance on Iverson by offering him a full scholarship to Georgetown came following a 1993 incident in a bowling alley where an altercation landed A.I. a harsh prison sentence. Eventually granted clemency, Iverson’s dreams to become a professional athlete seemed like they may have gone up in smoke.

Thompson took a chance and gave the basketball world one of the craftiest players to ever take the court.

Rest in peace, Coach.