Georgetown hires Patrick Ewing as head coach

Georgetown has hired Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing as the Hoyas' next head coach, the school officially announced Monday.

Ewing has coached as an assistant in the NBA for the last 15 seasons, most recently with the Charlotte Hornets.

Prior to his 17-year career as a player in the Association with the New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, and Orlando Magic, Ewing played four years at Georgetown, guiding the Hoyas to the 1984 national championship.

"My four years at Georgetown were the best of my life," Ewing said in the school's official release. "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. I have been preparing to be a head coach for many years and can't wait to return to the Hilltop."

Ewing played for legendary head coach John Thompson Jr. while at Georgetown, and replaces his son, John Thompson III, who was fired March 23 after 13 seasons.

Many had wondered whether Georgetown would break away from any hire associated with the Thompson family, or maintain ties to the past, which bringing on Ewing does.

Ewing apparently wasn't the Hoyas' first choice - several big-name coaches turned down the opportunity, reports Jeff Goodman of ESPN, citing a source.

A Thompson has been the head coach at Georgetown for 40 of the last 45 years, with longtime Thompson Jr. assistant Craig Esherick being the only other bench boss during that span.

Now, the best player of Thompson Jr.'s tenure will be tasked with trying to end the Hoyas' current skid.

Georgetown has missed three of the last four NCAA tournaments. Since Georgetown's championship in 1984, the Hoyas have only made it back to the Final Four in 1985 and 2007.

Ewing will now have a chance to rekindle his rivalry with St. John's head coach Chris Mullin after the two played against each other for four years during their college careers in the Big East.