U.S. Coach Thompson Cuts Mourning, Georgetown Coach Thompson’s Prize

Alonzo Mourning, the 6-foot 10-inch, 18-year-old who will enter Georgetown this fall, was cut from the U.S. Olympic basketball team Saturday, leaving the roster at 13, one over the limit.

The cut was made by Coach John Thompson, who will coach the former Chesapeake, Va., High School star at Georgetown. Thompson reportedly was concerned that Mourning not delay the start of his school work, which would have been necessary had he gone to Seoul with the team.

“This has been one of the most complex and difficult decisions that I have ever had to make,” Thompson said in a statement issued by the team.