College basketball world reacts to Georgetown’s statement of support for Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing has received a statement of support from Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed.

Ewing is in his fifth season as the Georgetown men’s basketball head coach. Barring a second straight miracle run to win the Big East tournament, the Hoyas are slated to miss the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in five years under Ewing.

Georgetown has lost 18 straight games and is 0-17 in the Big East with a 6-22 overall record. They’ve clinched the program’s first-ever Big East last-place finish. The league started in 1979. 

“Coach Ewing’s dedication as well as his success in last year’s Big East Tournament is a testament to his leadership, Reed said in a statement. “This gives us confidence that he can strengthen our program going forward.”

Following Georgetown’s home finale loss to UConn on Sunday, Ewing said he is “hoping” to return as head coach. Ewing has a record of 68-81 with Georgetown. He’s 26-61 in Big East conference play.

It’s safe to say the statement of support from the AD didn’t go over well with the Georgetown faithful.

Why?

— Casual Hoya (@CasualHoya) March 2, 2022

Georgetown had a choice to make between honoring its stated commitment to its fans and alums to be a nationally competitive program, or submit itself to the Thompson/Ewing legacy at the cost of fielding a competitive program.

They have now made their choice. Embarrassing.

— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopHoops_) March 2, 2022

https://twitter.com/hoyabreakdown/status/1499072521131335680

Even rivals’ blogs trolled Georgetown for its support to stick behind Ewing.

Big news for UConn – Georgetown has ultimately decided to not be competitive in the new Big East https://t.co/1ZYTmR7Xqv

— The UConn Blog (@TheUConnBlog) March 2, 2022

Georgetown retaining Patrick Ewing pic.twitter.com/bivVl3xlgu

— No Escalators (@NoEscalators) March 2, 2022

AKA, "we gave him an extension so we're stuck." He should do his alma mater right, step down and let them build a new brand not under the Thompson umbrella. That's over. Virtually no chance for reclamation under Ewing.

Local hoops is better when Georgetown is good. pic.twitter.com/UN1idcESPY

— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) March 2, 2022

A vote of confidence or statement of support may not necessarily mean changes won’t soon come.

In a span of 11 days in March 2004, Georgetown president John DeGioia backed then Coach Craig Esherick in a statement and then fired him.— Bobby Bancroft (@BobbyBancroft) March 2, 2022

But reality is the nostalgia of Ewing’s playing days in the 80’s has garnered him a pass despite his lack of success as head coach.

Georgetown has released a statement on Patrick Ewing:

“We, the Hoyas of Georgetown, are committed to Patrick Ewing. We think he’s good & stuff. Hey, did you know he played here in the 80’s? Anyway, the guy got luc- I mean hot for like 5 games. Please respect our decision.”

— Not Ron Jothstein (@RonJothsteinn) March 2, 2022

Is Georgetown on the verge of being the next DePaul?