Comcast SportsNet, the leader in local sports television, announced today that Ronny Thompson will join Comcast SportsNet as a Washington Wizards and college basketball analyst. Thompson joins the network after spending last season as head men’s basketball coach at Ball State University of the Mid-American Conference.
Thompson, son of Hall of Fame basketball coach John Thompson and brother of current Georgetown coach John Thompson III, will lead Wizards postgame coverage on Comcast SportsNet, provide color commentary for Maryland men’s basketball games, and host the network’s Holding Court segment.
“I have tremendous passion for the sport of basketball, especially the teams and players in my hometown of Washington, D.C.,” Ronny Thompson said. “I grew up with this region’s teams and am grateful to Comcast SportsNet for giving me the opportunity to sit alongside other knowledgeable analysts and share my enthusiasm with the network’s loyal fan base.”
Thompson will make his television debut Oct. 31 as a pre- and postgame analyst for the Washington Wizards season opener against the Indiana Pacers. The coverage will begin at 6 p.m. with SportsNite and the game will air live on the network at 7 p.m. in high definition.
The former Ball State basketball coach also served as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball programs at Arkansas, Loyola (MD), and Oregon, and as a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers. Thompson also spent five season, from 1998-2005, as an assistant coach for his alma mater Georgetown, where he played under his father from 1989-92.
“Ronny Thompson has an incredible knowledge of this area’s basketball scene and can provide great insight into the sport as a former player and coach,” said Tim McHugh, Comcast SportsNet news director. “By adding Ronny to both our Washington Wizards and college basketball broadcast teams, Comcast SportsNet will continue to provide this region’s sports fans the most comprehensive analysis of their favorite teams from the top professionals in the area.”
Comcast SportsNet begins its team coverage with Wizards Tip-Off Week, leading up to the home opener Saturday, Nov. 3, against Orlando, which will air live in high definition on Comcast SportsNet. Throughout the week, the network will air special features and exclusive interviews with coaches and players. Highlighting the week’s coverage is a one-on-one with All-Star Gilbert Arenas, which will air as part of two full hours of Wizards news coverage leading into the game at Boston, Nov. 2, which will also air live on Comcast SportsNet in high definition at 8 p.m. Wizards analyst Phil Chenier sits down with Arenas as he reveals information on his health, his decision to opt out of his contract, and where he sees himself after this season.