This week during the Big East Tournament, one of the biggest seats at Madison Square Garden was not filled. Hall of Fame coach John Thompson, a fixture of the Conference and part of Westwood One’s NCAA broadcast team for the past 11 years, was not in New York. Less than two weeks ago, John had corrective surgery for a benign twisted intestine. Currently, he is home recovering beautifully. Unfortunately, he is unable to travel extensively for the next few weeks, otherwise he would be in his favorite spot—courtside for March Madness.
After making the announcement on the air tonight during the Championship game broadcast, play-by-play announcer Kevin Kugler said “I know I speak for everyone at Westwood One—and in all circles of college basketball—in wishing John a speedy recovery. We hope to see him courtside again very soon.”
Westwood One Sports EVP/Executive Producer Howard Deneroff added, “While we will miss John’s presence to tip off the NCAA Tournament, we are most thankful that his health is improving and he is feeling better every day. There is a seat waiting for him whenever he is ready to return on the road to the Final Four.”