Mychal Thompson is the father of Klay Thompson, the famous NBA star. Mychal himself was also a former NBA player who married Julie Thompson, a Division 1 volleyball player. With their son’s emergence as a rising star in the basketball world, the Thompsons are now much talked about, just like in Mychal’s days when he dominated college basketball and was then overtaken by the best college players.
Here we are going to look at Mychal Thompson biography and look at five facts about him that you need to know.
Mychal Thompson biography
Mychal George Thompson is a Bahamian basketball player born on January 30, 1955 in Nassau, Bahamas. He moved to the United States in his youth and settled in Miami, Florida where he was educated.
Mychal attended Miami Jackson Senior High School and the University of Minnesota where he had a notable college career. In high school and college, Mychal was very active in basketball. He was part of a starting lineup dubbed “Jackson 5” that included him, a Cuban and three other Bahamians. They were so spectacular in their games that they would beat their opponents 30 points per game.
After college, Mychal Thompson made a record of being the first foreign-born player to be selected as the number one pick in the 1978 NBA draft by the Portland Blazers. Mychal was a regular selection in their game rosters for eight years. Having been prolific in the forward and center positions, he made the 1979 All-Rookie team. In the 1981-82 season, he was at his best averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game he played, which was normally the case often.
He was traded several times early in his career before arriving at the Lakers where his career flourished the most. He played alongside Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and James Worthy at the Lakers before retiring in 1991. His retirement came after helping the team win back-to-back titles in 1987, 88 and also played in the 1989 final.
5 fast facts you need to know about him
1. Career Records
He finished his career with a career-high 1,992 points which translates to 20.8 per game and 956 rebounds or 10.0 rebounds per game. These records remain among the highest in school basketball. He is one of four players to have his shirt number retired in honor and appreciation of his contribution to the game.
2. Broadcast career
Mychal is not done getting involved in the fast paced basketball game yet. His playing career which ended more than a decade ago launched the start of his broadcasting career. He spent two years working as a color commentator for the Minnesota Timberwolves, before becoming a regular voice on the Lakers radio show. His broadcasting career saw him work alongside Joel Meyers and John Ireland.
3. Sporty wife and sons
Mychal married his wife Julie in 1987 and they have three sons together. It’s no surprise to see the former NBA star’s three sons and his professional volleyball wife getting into one sport or the other.
Mychal and Julie’s first son, Mychel who was born in 1988, he played basketball for Pepperdine University before making his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012. Their second son, Klay, born in 1990 , is the most popular of its siblings. He played for Washington State University before being drafted with the Golden State Warriors’ 11th pick. Youngest son Trayce was born in 1991. He plays baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
4. His Son’s Critic
Mychal has revealed that he has been his son Klay’s biggest critic. He certainly played well and long enough to understand what it takes to get to the top. So, in order not to support his son’s every game, he does everything he can to prepare him for the top.
5. Recording with his son
Mychal and Klay are the fourth father-son duo to have won the NBA championship as players. Other pairs who have achieved this feat are Matt Guokas, Sr. and his son Matt Guokas, Jr, Rick and his son Brent Barry and of course Bill and his son Luke Walton.
Other Quick Facts
1. He was born on January 30, 1955;
2. He is of African-American descent from the Bahamas;
3. He was part of the formidable “Jackson 5” when he was in high school;
4. Some of Mychal Thompson’s records still stand;
5. He played alongside big names in the sport.
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