David Thompson

American college basketball player who dominated at NC State, leading them to 1974 NCAA championship and earning three All-American selections.

David Othell Thompson was born in Shelby, North Carolina in 1954. He attended North Carolina State University under coach Norm Sloan and became one of the most electrifying athletes in college basketball history — his 44-inch vertical earning him the nickname Skywalker. He won the national championship in 1974, defeating Bill Walton's unbeaten UCLA in the semifinals 80-77 before beating Marquette for the title. He was the Naismith Award winner in 1975 — the national player of the year. He was a three-time ACC Player of the Year and three-time consensus All-American. He averaged 26.8 points per game across three seasons. Virginia Squires (ABA) selected him first overall in the 1975 ABA Draft while Denver Nuggets selected him third in the NBA Draft simultaneously — he chose the ABA. He battled substance abuse professionally that curtailed his career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. His NC State career — defeating Walton's UCLA and winning the championship — is one of the great upsets in tournament history and the defining moment of his college excellence.

Thompson was known for his incredible leaping ability and acrobatic dunks, earning him the nickname "Skywalker." His 44-inch vertical jump allowed him to play much larger than his 6'4" frame, dominating both ends of the court with spectacular athletic plays. He combined elite athleticism with smooth shooting ability and excellent court vision.

Thompson is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular and influential players in college basketball history, helping to popularize the high-flying, athletic style of play that defines modern basketball.

• National Championship (1974)
• Naismith Award (1975)
• ACC Player of Year 3x
• All-American 3x