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Allen Iverson is one of the most
amazing players ever to come out
of college. Georgetown university
coach John Thompson helped Iverson
overcome the most important period
of his life. It was more than just
on-court performance - when
Iverson had problems off-court,
Thompson would sit down and talk
with him. The two had a strong relationship. A Father
and son relationship that will never end. And Allen
is very thankfull for that. John Thompson helped
Iverson to go on with his life.Iverson college career
ended in 1996.
First college season 1994-95
Allen Iverson finished high
school as the best ball
player (and football player,
he was AP player of the
year in Virginia) in the
country. He had abilities
Charly Ward could only
write home about. In
Hampton, VA, Iverson is
still an icon, a legitimate
dream. America's most
gifted baller. Imagine that. In high school, Kansas
coach Roy Williams, former NC assistant coach who
once coached Michael Jordan, said Iverson "might be
the best guard I've ever seen". That tells it all about
Iverson's potential coming out of high school. Another
quote that describes Answer's talent is this one,
coming from Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson: "I've
been to three calf shows, nine horse ropings and seen
Elvis once. But I have never seen anything like this
in my life." Wow. Instead of walkin' 'round the
neighbouthood, frontin', wantin' to be a superstar in
a Hoya T-shirt, Allen made the dream come through.
Heading into the prestigious private Catholic
Georgetown university, Iverson was a rough talent.
He needed a good coach. A protective person. Which
he found in G'Town coach John Thompson. Trying to
honor the heritage of Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe
Mutombo and Patrick Ewing Allen faced a challenge.
Just like Mike, the master himself, Iverson took the
challenge and succeeded. Just like Mike. In the 94 - 95
season Iverson was honored "Big East
Rookie-of-the-year" and "Big East Defensive
player-of-the-year". Next season. Iverson was more
controlled, confident and well coached than last year.
Iverson said: "Coach [Thompson] was like a father
figure to me, right off hand...it just clicked" He added:
"Ninety percent of having an relationship with him is
things that occur off-court. He helped me through last
year. I didn't want to come here and just do anything.
Any problems that I have, I can go to him and he'll
sit down and listen. It is a lot more than player-coach
between us. I don't think I could have made it through
last year without him." Thompson on Iverson: "He did
all I expected him to do last year. When he didn't, we
sat down and talked."
Second college season 1995-96
Summer camp - Iverson
getting loose in an NBA
atmosphere, he put his whole
package together and
showed the critics what
basketball was about on his
end. Believe this: He
averaged close to 50 points
a game against teams that
included a host of NBA
players. Believe this: he
scored over 70 points three times, often playing only
half the game. Believe this: he told his coach during the
third quarter of a game, down by 26 and with only
20 points, to give him the ball every time down the
court. Result? Victory. Oh yeah. Allen finished with
81. Believe it. "I think I play a lot better in an NBA
atmosphere. It was wide open, run'n'gun,
man-to-man all game - and that's the game I like to
play." That year, everyone's mind was on the NBA.
Except Allen's. Choosing Georgetown University,
Allen had to give priority to basketball - and no
longer football ("I miss the game so much"). Off the
court, coach Thompson helped Iverson to fight off the
rumors - and temptation - of turning pro after the
season. Still, as we all know, Iverson took the
challenge and gave a shot a the NBA. The rest we all
know.... "With the first pick in the 1996 NBA draft, the
Philadelphia 76ers select..Allen Iverson from
Georgetown University!" It was no longer a dream.
No longer was it what he worked for to give his
family money and food on the table. No longer was it
just a "future possibility". It was true.
