July 14, 2008

The Arizona State family passes along its thoughts and sympathy to the family of men's basketball career assists record holder and 1986-87 Sun Devil co-captain Bobby Thompson, 42, who passed away Thursday (July 10).

Thompson played at ASU from 1983 to 1987, notching an ASU record 454 assists that has stood for 21 years. He also ranks tenth in career steals (127). He was ASU's assist leader for three seasons and steals leader for two and his 114 assists in his freshman year also is an ASU freshman record.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Shelitta, and their children, Jason, 5, and Jessica, 3. He passed away after going on a hike with his wife near their Los Angeles home, according to the Arizona Republic.

Thompson averaged a career-best 10.6 points per game and posted a career-best 152 assists in 1984-85 and earned Team Most Improved Player award in 1983-84 (when he averaged 29.9 minutes per game in Pac-10 play). He was an honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic selection in 1986-87.

Services will be held later this week at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park. 23287 Sierra Highway, in Newhall, Calif. (91321) For more information on the services, contact 661-259-0800.