Patrick Ewing is returning to Georgetown.
The former All-American for the Hoyas has been hired as the school's basketball coach, the school announced Monday, confirming earlier reports. Ewing replaces John Thompson III, the son of his college coach John Thompson.
Ewing led Georgetown to three Final Fours and one national title during his playing career. He was selected No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA draft by the New York Knicks.
Since his retirement after a Hall of Fame playing career, Ewing has been an assistant with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and currently with the Charlotte Hornets. He interviewed for NBA coaching jobs with the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies.
1984 @NCAA National Champion
— Georgetown Hoyas (@GeorgetownHoyas) April 3, 2017
11x @NBA All-Star for @nyknicks
2008 @Hoophall Inductee
Welcome home @GeorgetownHoops Coach Patrick Ewing! pic.twitter.com/0CMdCmTZ3b
Georgetown's hiring of its greatest player hopes to restore the program that was one of college basketball's best in the 1980s. Since John Thompson's retirement during the 1999 season, the Hoyas have appeared in just nine NCAA tournaments and made one Final Four.
Thompson III was 278-151 in his 13 seasons, but had a losing record in the past two seasons before his firing last month.
Results at Georgetown may not be immediate, however. Ewing has never been a head coach or coached at all on the college level.
Contributing: Sam Amick
