Georgetown currently has a head coaching vacancy after John Thompson III was fired following a second straight losing season, and Stan Van Gundy believes the program should be putting on a full-court press to hire Patrick Ewing.
Ewing was a star at Georgetown and led the team to a national championship. The Hall of Famer is said to be more focused on trying to land an NBA head coaching job, but Van Gundy said Monday that Georgetown should try to get him to change his mind.
“I cannot imagine that you’re at Georgetown and you do not hire Patrick Ewing,” Van Gundy said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “I think that they’re incredibly fortunate that he would think about leaving the NBA to take that job.
“Look, first of all, college basketball, a large part of it is recruiting and I think Patrick’s got two things there. No. 1, he absolutely loves Georgetown University. Always has, always will, and so he can sell the school. The second thing is all these top-level players, the main thing they’re thinking about is getting to the NBA. Well, you’d have a Hall of Fame coach. I mean, all of the best big kids have to consider Georgetown right at the top of the list.”
Ewing, who has been an associate head coach with the Hornets since 2013, spent six years on Van Gundy’s staff with the Magic from 2007-2012. Van Gundy said it is “confusing to me and a little bit disturbing” that Ewing has not been offered a head coaching job in the NBA, but he believes Georgetown would be the perfect fit.
“I can’t imagine even what he’d be missing in that package,” Van Gundy said. “He’s got everything. He’s got the connection to the school, he’s got the coaching ability, he’s got the name recognition that will get him in any home in America recruiting and allow him to close the deal with just about anybody. I know I’m a little bit biased but just look at the whole picture. Tell me what the heck he’s missing?”
Ewing was reportedly close to landing at least one NBA head coaching job recently, so it’s possible he is going to remain patient and wait for his chance. If not, Georgetown could come calling.
