ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — North Carolina Wesleyan University Head Men's Basketball Coach John Thompson will be among the featured clinicians September 12-13 at the USA Basketball Coach Academy, presented by Nike, in Kansas City, Missouri, bringing his extensive coaching experience and long-standing involvement with USA Basketball to one of the nation's premier coaching education events.

The USA Basketball Coach Academy is a comprehensive coaching clinic designed for coaches at every level of the game. The Kansas City event will feature a combination of on- and off-court sessions addressing game strategy, skill development, practice planning, coaching leadership and player development.

Thompson joins an accomplished group of collegiate coaches, USA Basketball leaders and basketball educators who will share their expertise throughout the weekend. Featured speakers and clinicians include Don Showalter, USA Basketball Director of Coach Development; Mark Turgeon of the University of Missouri-Kansas City; Amy Williams and Jamie Carey of the University of Nebraska; Alan Huss of Creighton University; Adam Hepker of Campbell University; Todd Lorensen of Rockhurst University; and Thompson of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
For Thompson, the opportunity represents another chapter in his long-time relationship with USA Basketball and his commitment to coaching development. Throughout his career, Thompson has been involved in advancing the game through education, player development and coaching leadership.

"USA Basketball provides an incredible platform for coaches to learn, share ideas and continue to grow," Thompson said. "I'm honored to be part of the Coach Academy and to have the opportunity to share some of the experiences and lessons that have shaped me as a coach. The best part of coaching education is the opportunity to learn from others, and I'm looking forward to the conversations and connections that come from bringing coaches together."

The Coach Academy is designed to provide practical instruction that coaches can immediately apply to their own programs. Sessions incorporate live player demonstrations, classroom instruction, panel discussions, on-court skill teaching and off-court discussions centered on coaching philosophy, leadership and life skills.
The Academy format also allows coaches to engage directly with clinicians and fellow attendees, creating opportunities for meaningful discussion, networking and the exchange of ideas across all levels of basketball.