Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing is now home after he was hospitalized with the coronavirus last week, his son announced Monday.
Patrick Ewing Jr. said his father is “getting better,” adding that they’ll continue to monitor his symptoms moving forward. Ewing, 57, revealed Friday he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, and was under care at a local hospital.
“I want to thank all of the doctors and hospital staff for taking care of my father during his stay,” Ewing Jr. wrote on Twitter, “as well as everyone who reached out with thoughts and prayers to us and since his diagnosis.”
When Ewing announced his condition last week, Georgetown said no other members of its men’s basketball program had tested positive. The District has had nearly 8,000 confirmed cases with 427 deaths, according to the CDC.
Ewing has been Georgetown’s coach since 2017, leading them to a 49-46 record in three seasons. After spending 15 years as an assistant in the NBA, the Hall of Famer returned to his alma mater, where as a player, Ewing lifted the Hoyas to their first (and only) national championship in 1984. Ewing and the Hoyas also made three Final Fours.
Georgetown is Ewing’s first head coaching job. But it hasn’t come easy. Last year, four players announced their decision to transfer from the program, including former Big East freshman of the year James Akinjo. Then earlier this month, star and leading scorer Mac McClung announced his decision to enter the NCAA’s transfer portal.
McClung’s choice caught most outsiders off guard as Ewing previously told Stadium’s Jeff Goodman that McClung, who had been exploring whether to go the NBA, would return to school. McClung’s representative, however, denied that to The Athletic, and soon, McClung said he would be leaving Georgetown.
The departure figures to be a major blow for the program, which has a strong recruiting class coming in. According to the scouting site 24/7, the Hoyas have the 38th-best incoming class in the nation — headlined by four-star recruit Jamari Sibley. But now, Georgetown will have to replace McClung’s 15.7 points per game.
Still, Ewing’s recovery is what’s most important. In a statement from Friday, Ewing said he’d be fine and urged people to be safe.
“This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly,” Ewing said. “I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Now more than ever, I want to thank the health care workers and everyone on the front lines.”
Ewing received an outpour of support following his diagnosis. Former teammate Charles Oakley wished him well, as did director (and Knicks fan) Spike Lee.
Ewing played 17 NBA seasons, 15 with the Knicks.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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