T.J. Thompson is an experienced college basketball coach serving as an assistant coach for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s basketball program. Entering his fifth season in that role in 2025–26 and his seventh overall with Rutgers, Thompson has been a vital part of the coaching staff, contributing to the Scarlet Knights’ offensive development, recruiting efforts, and overall program growth under head coach Steve Pikiell. Known for forging strong relationships with players and identifying talent nationwide, Thompson helped Rutgers secure the program’s first five-star recruit and played a role in bringing in key contributors such as point guard Geo Baker. During his tenure, Rutgers achieved notable successes including high-scoring offensive output in the 2024–25 season and sustained excellence at home in 2023–24.
Before joining the Rutgers coaching ranks, Thompson was a standout player at George Washington University, where he was a First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection and four-year starter under coaches Karl Hobbs and Steve Pikiell. At GW, he set the school’s career record for three-pointers and ranked among the program leaders in assists and steals, helping the Colonials to their first Atlantic 10 Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2005. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2005, he enjoyed a professional playing career in Europe for a decade and participated in the Boston Celtics Las Vegas Summer League. Prior to Rutgers, he also co-founded and directed the D.C. Blue Devils New Hampshire AAU program, mentoring numerous players who advanced to NCAA programs.
