Called "Skywalker" for his above-the-rim game, Thompson worked with teammate Monte Towe to create the "alley oop" play. He led North Carolina State to the 1974 NCAA semi-final overtime win against UCLA's "Walton Gang" and the National Championship game win over Marquette. He was Carolina's Athlete of the Year in 1973 and 1974 and was named All Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year three consecutive years from 1973 to 1975.

Motivational speaker for Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets.