Nov. 16, 2011
Natalie England, TexasSports.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas prides itself on changing people who change the world. Think of them as game changers.
Former Men's Basketball All-American LaSalle Thompson knows a little something about this. His tenure with the Longhorns from 1979-82 coincided with great strides for The University.
"Back then, we only had regular network TV in dorms, but my girlfriend lived at Dobie, the private dorm, and they had cable," Thompson recently recalled. "I was always asking her who the guy was who would come and hook it up, run the cable. Well, it was Michael Dell."
Thompson, like Dell, used his time at UT to create a prosperous professional career. A three-year letterwinner, Thompson set the school's career rebounding mark (1,027) -- a mark that stood until four-year rebounding machine James Thomas surpassed it during the 2003-04 season. Thompson then went on to a 15-year career in the NBA.
He was honored during UT's TicketCity Legends Classic victory against Rhode Island on Tuesday in a halftime presentation that recognized a "Legend of the Game." Men's Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds presented Thompson with a plaque, and as the public address announcer read through Thompson's career accomplishments, it was revealed that his 23 double-doubles in 1980-81 set a school single-season record that still stands today.
"I didn't know that," Thompson mouthed to Dodds.
Thompson also averaged 13.5 rebounds per game that season to lead the country in rebounding -- the first Longhorn player to lead the nation in an individual category -- as he earned All-America notice.
"Growing up in the southeast, I remember him," UT coach Rick Barnes said. "He was one of the first really dominant big players here. And we've wanted to reconnect with players from all eras, so I was happy that LaSalle was able to come and be here for this."
Thompson said it was his first visit to the Frank Erwin Center since 1998, but his mark has endured.
His 55 career double-doubles also rank first in UT history, and his 38.6 minutes per game in 1981-82 remain a single-season record
Thompson is remembered for his consistent dominance in the lane. He produced stretches of 12-straight, eight-straight and seven-straight double-double games throughout his career, and still owns the top two season rebounding averages in school history.
"Back then, if you didn't get hurt, you played. I was always able to play through pain. Just suck it up and play," Thompson said. "If I could run, I would play. That was always my rule."
Thompson said he enjoyed playing for "unorthodox" coach Abe Lemons. The Longhorns' goal was to score and score some more.
"Mostly, we just tried to outrun everybody. If you can beat them by 200, do it. That's the way he coached, that's the way we played," Thompson said. "Mostly I just hit the boards. We had good shooters back then. They just put up shots, and I went and got rebounds."
Thompson turned professional after his junior year and was selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Kansas City Kings. He concluded his professional career in Sacramento after 15 years.
His connection to The University, however, was never lost.
"Even though people call us a football school, it's a basketball school now," Thompson said. "This university is committed to excellence in every sport. I never felt like I was at a football school. I felt like I was at a school that supported all athletes."