On Wednesday, Georgetown University introduced former Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing as their new men’s basketball head coach. Ewing is widely regarded as the best player for the Hoyas in program history, where he led the Hoyas to the 1984 NCAA title and two additional championship game appearances in 1982 and 1985. As an NBA player, he was the Knicks’ franchise center for 15 years from 1985-2000.
Earlier Wednesday morning, the Sports Junkies on 106.7 the Fan and Comcast SportsNet interviewed Ewing where they asked if he expected to return to Washington. Interestingly enough, Ewing did -- but he thought that he would do so as the Wizards’ head coach if the timing was right. A link to CSN’s video is above or you can click here.
After Ewing’s playing career ended in 2002, he worked as an NBA assistant coach. He actually started his coaching career with the Wizards during the 2002-03 season on Doug Collins’ staff. After that season, he spent time with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets before returning to the Hilltop.
In my opinion, it’s not fair that Ewing had to wait 15 years to get a head coaching opportunity given his resume as a Hall of Fame player and as a respected assistant coach in NBA circles. But as Ewing noted himself, Georgetown is a special place for him, where he can further develop his craft, and perhaps lead the Hoyas back to their glory days when he played there.