A Georgetown Legend Returns: Patrick Ewing Named Hoyas Basketball Coach

When Georgetown University — somewhat reluctantly and with some sorrow — did not rehire basketball coach John Thompson III after two losing seasons in row and another denial to the NCAA Tournament, it looked as if the university might be distancing itself from its close — almost familial — ties to the legendary glory days of coach John Thompson, Jr., which included three trips to the final four and an NCAA championship title in 1984.

Any such thoughts were quickly swept away April 3, when the university announced that it had hired Patrick Ewing, the All-American center during its 1980s glory years, as well as an NBA star for years, to coach the basketball team.

“My four years at Georgetown were the best of my life,” Ewing said. “Georgetown is my home, and it is a great honor for me to return to my alma mater and serve as the next head coach.”

A 1985 Georgetown College graduate, Ewing played center for the three years that included the three NCAA tournament trips.  His return continues the long-standing connection between Georgetown and the John Thompson, Jr., era.