Georgetown has hired Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing to be its men's basketball coach, bringing the Hoyas legend back to the school he helped build into a national power as a player in the 1980s.
Georgetown announced the hiring on Monday.
Hornets head coach Steve Clifford released the following statement:
“This is a big loss for the Charlotte Hornets, but we are all excited for Patrick to have the opportunity to go back to Georgetown. Everyone knows how much his alma mater means to him. I’ve had the privilege of working with him for 12 years with three organizations and I know the effort he has put into coaching. He has attacked this profession with the same mentality he had as a player, with hard work, dedication and a passion for the game of basketball. I’m thrilled that all of Patrick’s hard work has paid off and he has earned the opportunity to be Georgetown’s Head Coach. We wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his coaching career.”
Ewing led the Hoyas to their only national championship in 1984, and now he takes over for the son of the man who coached him at Georgetown.
John Thompson III, the son of Big John Thompson, was fired last month after two consecutive losing seasons.
Ewing has been an assistant coach with the Hornets and had hoped for years to land a head coaching job in the pros.
The blog Casual Hoya first reported the hire.
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