When teammates anonymously chastised …

When teammates anonymously chastised Beilein, attacking him and questioning unconventional coaching methods, Thompson gave an impassioned defense. He has taken Garland under his wing. He’s boasted about Porter. He instructs teammates during timeouts and stoppages. He responded to one of his worst moments of the season — a blowup on Beilein in San Antonio that went viral and led to his benching — by staying engaged, cheering on his teammates and celebrating with them instead of pouting about the lack of playing time. Then he apologized.