University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Mychal Thompson
2/19/2020 4:43:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Mychal Thompson was a 6'10" center from Nassau, Bahamas. Thompson joined Minnesota in 1975 where he began a historic career for the Gophers. At the end of his Minnesota career, Thompson was named to the All-Big Ten team three times (1976-1978) and was named an All-American twice (1977 and 1978). Over the course of his Gopher tenure, he posted averages of 20.8 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Thompson's jersey was retired and hung in the rafters of Williams Arena at the conclusion of his senior season in March of 1978.
Beyond the basketball court, Thompson has fond memories of the University of Minnesota. He enjoyed hanging around Dinkytown and exploring the beautiful campus. He advises student-athletes to treasure each day they have because it goes by too fast. Thompson joked that student-athletes should not take any day for granted, even the -20 degree weather days. Thompson recalls the passion and fervor that he experienced from all the fans and students while playing in The Barn and that he still feels pride when he sees the "warm maroon and gold colors."
Following his Gopher career, Thompson went on to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1978 NBA Draft. He played 12 seasons with the Trailblazers and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, earning three NBA Championship titles with the Lakers in the 1987-88, 1988-89, and 1989-90 seasons. Since he retired from the NBA, he's been in the sports broadcasting field, working with the Seattle Sonics, Vancouver Grizzlies, Portland Trailblazers, and for over 15 years as a radio broadcaster for the Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson's three sons all followed in his footsteps playing professionally for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA (Klay Thompson), Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G-League (Mychel Thompson), and Cleveland Indians of the MLB (Trayce Thompson).
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a good time to recognize how many Black people have contributed to the development of this great United States, the greatest country in the history of man. There are so many Black figures throughout history that have been important to developing this country with inventions, pushing political change, and standing up for what they believe in. It's important to recognize that power and how Black people have impacted this country.
How have you been inspired by other black athletes, role models, leaders, etc?
I grew up in the 60's in the Civil Rights era, and there were a lot of struggles in that time. But, I was always influenced by people like Muhammed Ali, Bill Russel, Jim Brown and all the other great athletes during that era who fought for Civil Rights for everyone. I was inspired by athletes like John Carlos and Tommie Smith, who risked not only their careers, but also their lives to speak out for equality.