Former UNC star Deon Thompson joins Malone’s staff as grad assistant
Deon Thompson, a key forward on UNC’s 2009 title team, returns to Chapel Hill as a graduate assistant on Michael Malone’s staff.
Former North Carolina standout Deon Thompson is joining Michael Malone’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant, ending a 15-year professional career overseas and beginning his transition into coaching, according to Inside Carolina. Thompson, a member of the Tar Heels’ 2009 national championship team, will pursue his master’s degree while serving on Malone’s staff. The 6-foot-9 forward’s role marks his first formal coaching position after playing professionally in 13 countries, including Greece, Slovenia, Germany, China, Israel, Turkey, Serbia, Spain, Lithuania, Japan, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Libya.
Thompson played four seasons at North Carolina from 2006 to 2010, starting every game but one from his sophomore through senior years. He averaged 9. 3 points and 4.
9 rebounds for his career while shooting 49. 4% from the field. “Coach Malone gave us a feeling of respect and understood what Carolina basketball means to everyone who was standing in that room,” Thompson said in a statement released by the school, referring to Malone’s introductory address to former players last month.
“He said he wants to honor the tradition and it is important to him that we are heard. He wants to bring us together even more than ever before. ” NEWS: Deon Thompson is back in Chapel Hill.