The Jason Thompson Foundation

The Jason Thompson Foundation (JTF) is a 501 (C) (3) organization dedicated to creating healthy lifestyles for children and young adults by providing the resources and social support needed to live each day as active, heart-healthy individuals. To L.I.V.E. (Learn. Imagine. Voice. Educate.) by example and bring awareness to heart disease.

As an organization that values the importance of physical health and education, our aim is to service the community and positively influence children and young adults in unique and effective ways. This is a major reason we created the community initiative of L.I.V.E. Like JT.

Learn, Imagine, Voice & Educate

L.I.V.E. Like JT (LLJT) encourages young people to use their voices to advocate for positive changes in the world. In a four-step process, the program teaches students to learn, imagine, voice, and educate, and is built off the principal that all things are possible with hard work, dedication, and imagination.

Positively Influencing Children & Young Adults

ABOUT JASON THOMPSON

In the world of basketball, few stories are as inspiring as that of Jason Thompson, a retired 8-year NBA veteran turned Division I coach. From dazzling fans with his on-court prowess to guiding the next generation of athletes from the sidelines, Jason has left an indelible mark on the sport he loves.

The foundations of greatness were laid early in Jason’s life at Lenape Regional High School, where he averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds. He was named second team All-South Jersey and first team All-State Group IV, selected to play in the New Jersey North-South All-Star game, and led Lenape to its first State Title and undefeated regular season. He was inducted into the Lenape High School Hall of Fame in 2022.

Jason’s standout high school career earned him a full basketball scholarship to Rider University. While at Rider, Jason was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, US Basketball Writers’ Association District II Player of the Year, the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 3 selection, MAAC Player of the Year, a two-time First Team All-MAAC, and a two-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Year. He compiled 2,040 points and a Rider record of 1,171 rebounds. Jason’s 235 career blocks and 91 rejections are also Rider records. This remarkable career earned him a first ballot induction into the 2016 Rider Athletics Hall of Fame. Jason’s No. 1 jersey also hangs from the rafters of Alumni Gymnasium as one of only two Rider men’s basketball players of all-time to have their numbers retired.

Played 541 Games For The Kings

Upon his graduation in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Jason was drafted to the Sacramento Kings as a lottery selection with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He went on to play 541 games for the Kings, which is the most ever for the franchise. He compiled over 5,000 points and 3,750 rebounds in seven seasons, before splitting his eighth season in 2015-16 with the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors.

From 2016 through 2021, Jason’s basketball journey went international, including the Chinese Basketball Association and the Turkish league. Remarkably, he won a championship title in both leagues.

Following an illustrious playing career, Jason made a seamless transition to the next chapter of his basketball journey when he returned to his alma mater, Rider University, this time as an assistant coach. In his first season on the coaching staff, Rider finished second in the MAAC regular season standings, including a win at eventual MAAC champion Iona, snapping the Gaels’ 21-game home winning streak.

Beyond his contributions to the game of basketball, Jason has made a significant impact through his philanthropic endeavors. In 2010, he founded The Jason Thompson Foundation after the tragic loss of his cousin, Tiffany Carroll, to heart disease. This harsh reality lit a fire in Jason where he has devoted himself to raising awareness about heart disease, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles within athletes, children, and young adults, and giving a voice to the voiceless. His commitment to giving back through his foundation’s community initiative, L.I.V.E. Like JT, exemplifies his character both on and off the court. Annually, the foundation hosts three impactful events: the L.I.V.E. Like JT Thanksgiving and Turkey Drive, where they serve hot meals and distribute frozen turkeys to communities in the New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware areas: the Christmas Toy Drive, providing underserved children with gift cards for a holiday shopping spree and a memorable experience; and the L.I.V.E. Like JT Bike Giveaway and BBQ, which gifts bicycles and helmets to local Boys and Girls Club members while promoting healthy activities.

Built On A Foundation of Excellence & Compassion

Jason’s unwavering commitment to his hometown extended beyond philanthropy. Driven by a desire to give back to the community that shaped him, he donated and oversaw the construction of Mount Laurel’s first-ever NBA regulation-sized basketball court, providing a place for local youth to hone their skills and foster a love for the game.

Jason’s legacy, built on a foundation of excellence and compassion, will continue to inspire athletes, coaches, and communities for generations to come.

PHILANTHROPIC Work

Jason Thompson, a retired 8 year NBA veteran turned Division I coach, has left an indelible mark on the sport he loves.

Started The Jason Thompson Foundation in 2010 after the sudden tragic loss of his cousin to heart disease.

Donated and oversaw the construction of his hometown’s first ever NBA regulation-sized basketball court.

Has sponsored, managed, and coached a 250-athlete basketball camp every summer for the past 15 years.