First Posted: 4/24/2015
PITTSTON — Billy Thompson, who won the 1986 National Championship as a member of Louisville’s men’s basketball team and later played in the NBA, will speak at the Perspective Church, 66 Broad St., Pittston at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 26.
Thompson and his wife Cynthia are pastors at the Jesus People Proclaim International Ministries Church in Boca Raton, Florida. The two travel the country spreading their word.
Thompson’s message on Sunday will be realizing what God has given to his people.
“God loves us and he loves us to do good works and great works,” Thompson said. “He’s given us the ability. I’ve lived the life of success, winning championships all my life. I realized God puts the ability in us. There is not limit to what we can do.”
After winning a national title for the Cardinals in ‘86, Thompson was selected 19th overall by the Atlanta Hawks as part of a draft-day trade, sending him to the Los Angeles Lakers. There, Thompson was part of back-to-back NBA championships with the Lakers.
Thompson later played with the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. He’s one of only four people to have won an NCAA men’s basketball title and an NBA championship in consecutive seasons.
Thompson grew up in a Christian household in Camden, New Jersey. When he was 13 he committed himself to the Lord. However, when he arrived at Louisville, things started to unravel.
“I got to college and started partying and drinking,” he said. “That’s when I rededicated my life there. I wasn’t made to live like that. I knew better.”
Following his re-dedication to the Lord, Louisville went on to win the ‘86 title.
Growing up in Camden, which is only two hours from Pittston, Thompson said he visited the Wyoming Valley several times, whether it was to go skiing or attend basketball camps.
“I’m blessed to be back here,” he said. “I love it, man.”
