8. Billy Thompson
Thompson, a 6’7 forward from New Jersey, arrived in Louisville in 1982. He didn’t make much of an impact early in his career, but four years later was a star collegiate athlete and a national champion, playing a significant role for Crum’s second title-winning team. Thompson was actually among the top-ranked recruits in the nation in 1982 and Crum turned him into a reliable weapon for the Cardinals.
I am honored to say that I was 0-1 vs. @LouisvilleMBB Hall of Fame coach, Denny Crum. He was one of our profession’s all-time greats & was very kind to young coaches. Those that knew him considered him the same way off the court. Rest is peace, Coach Crum. pic.twitter.com/PgsZS0c2tj
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 9, 2023
After putting up decent figures as a reserve early in his career, he blossomed as a starter for his final three seasons. Thompson averaged at least 14 points and 7 rebounds a game in each of his final two seasons and was the leading scorer for Louisville’s title-winning squad in 1986. Along the way to that title, he had three 20-point performances and was on the All-Tournament team named after the season. His shooting that season also ranked among Louisville’s best ever at just under 58% from the floor.
Thompson was selected 19th by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1986 NBA Draft and the forward would play parts of six seasons in the NBA. He won two more championships as a reserve with the Lakers early in his professional career before spending time overseas in the 90’s. Thompson’s legacy with Louisville is certainly intact, still sitting among the all-time leaders in field goals, rebounds, assists, and blocks with the Cardinals.