NC State University – David “Skywalker” Thompson Statue
In order to honor David “Skywalker” Thompson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of North Carolina State University (NCSU), the university unveiled his statue outside of Reynolds Coliseum on December 6, 2023. The artist who created this statue is David Allen Clark of Wyoming, who is considered one of the finest realist and portrait sculptors of our time. The statue of David Thompson is made of bronze and stands 13 feet tall, depicting Thompson catching an alley hoop pass, the creating of which is mainly credited to Thompson and his team.
David Thompson played for the NCSU Wolfpack from 1972 to 1975 and had a remarkable college career. Here are some key points about David Thompson:
Position: Thompson played as a shooting guard and small forward during his college career.
Accolades: He achieved numerous accolades during his time at NCSU, including being a three-time ACC Player of the Year (1973-1975) and a two-time consensus First Team All-American (1974-1975).
National Championships: David Thompson led the Wolfpack to the NCAA National Championship in 1974. The team, coached by Norm Sloan, went undefeated that season and defeated Marquette in the championship game.
Skywalker: Thompson earned the nickname “Skywalker” due to his incredible leaping ability. His dunks and scoring prowess were ahead of his time, making him a legendary figure in college basketball.
Statistical Achievements: He set numerous records during his college career, including scoring 57 points in a single game against Buffalo in 1974. His scoring ability and overall impact on the game were exceptional.
Legacy: David Thompson’s impact on college basketball and NCSU is lasting. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and played a significant role in putting NCSU on the national basketball map.
After his college career, David Thompson went on to have a successful professional career in the NBA, primarily playing for the Denver Nuggets and the Seattle SuperSonics. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, solidifying his place as one of the basketball greats.
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By Jana H. Collins