Thompson's Contract Is Extended

Georgetown men's basketball coach John Thompson III signed a six-year contract extension yesterday, which will keep him at the university through 2013.

Thompson has rejuvenated the Georgetown program since he was hired in April 2004. Last season, he led the Hoyas to the fourth 30-win season in program history, a sweep of the Big East regular season and tournament titles, and their first Final Four since 1985.

"Georgetown University appreciates Coach Thompson's leadership of the men's basketball program," University President John J. DeGioia said in a statement released by the athletic department. "Off the court, he is an esteemed all-around contributor to the university community and the city of Washington. He has done an outstanding job and this contract extension means he can continue to build upon the program's tradition of success for many years to come."

Financial terms were not disclosed. Thompson, who signed a five-year contract when he was hired, had been one of the lowest-paid coaches in the Big East; he earned $455,910 a year, according to the 990 tax form filed by the university in 2005.

The Hoyas have thrived under Thompson. He took over a program that was coming off of a 13-15 season, but since then, the Hoyas have gone 72-30 with two NCAA tournament appearances.

Thompson is a popular figure on campus; the student sections -- which have grown over the past three seasons -- are filled with fans wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "III" across the back. He recently established his own charitable foundation, which will hold several events this weekend -- including a block party and dinner -- to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Capital Breast Care Center, Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, and Washington Jesuit Academy.

"I'm extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to do something that I love to do at a place where I love to do it," Thompson said. "I truly appreciate the confidence President DeGioia has shown in me and the support we've received from the fans and the university community. This institution provides a great environment for the development of young people as students, as athletes and as complete individuals. I'm glad to be a small part of that and will continue to work as hard as I possibly can while representing Georgetown."

The Hoyas also got some bad news yesterday. Freshman guard Chris Wright, a three-time All-Met at St. John's, broke his right foot while playing in a pickup game and will miss the early part of the season. Georgetown's opening game is on Nov. 10 against William & Mary.

-- Camille Powell