Community remembers legendary basketball player George Thompson

On June 28, 2022, Marquette University and the family of the late George Thompson (inset) held a special memorial service for the legendary Marquette University basketball player at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St. George was not only the alltime leading scorer of Marquette University for several years – when you could only play 3 years on varsity – but was also a civil rights advocate who protested to have more black students attend Marquette University and marched for equal rights at the height of the civil rights movement in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He would later go on to play in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with style and grace. He played his last years for the Milwaukee Bucks to close out his pro career. George worked for Briggs and Stratton for 30 years, progressing to Vice President of Corporate Communications/ Community Relations. Later George and Steve “The Homer” True were the analysts and color commentators on TV and radio for Marquette University basketball for 27 years. Pictured at the memorial (left photo) are George’s wife Karen Thompson (center right) and Marquette Coach Shaka Smart (center left) along with George’s family members and many other Marquette University players from years past.