SVG: Ew’d be great for Hoyas

Stan Van Gundy thinks Patrick Ewing would be the perfect hire for Georgetown.

The Pistons coach, who had Ewing as an assistant in Orlando, made an impassioned pitch for the Knicks legend who is reportedly being considered for the vacant job at his alma mater. It’s unclear if Ewing is interested in replacing the fired John Thompson III, but he’s probably the greatest player in school history and his son is on the assistant staff.

“I cannot imagine that you’re at Georgetown and you do not hire Patrick Ewing,” Van Gundy said. “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.”

Van Gundy and Ewing teamed up with the Magic from 2007 to 2012, bringing the franchise to the NBA Finals while developing Dwight Howard into a perennial All-NBA selection.

Ewing, who is currently an assistant with the Hornets, hasn’t been offered a head coaching opportunity despite a decade on an NBA bench.

“It’s confusing to me and a little bit disturbing,” Van Gundy said.

Van Gundy said Ewing has “the full package.”

“I can’t imagine even what he’d be missing in that package,” Van Gundy added. “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?”