Patrick Ewing, meme icon

[TC]

Someone made this point on twitter - the most surprising thing about this year is that Patrick Ewing is turning into a fearsome meme icon. Between this and the "Have you ever shot that shot" it's seems like he is going viral every game.

[Ranch Dressing]

Despite what has been circulating across the deep interwebs and dark ethernets recently, I've actually had the completely opposite reaction to Ewing's on-court and public persona as the Hoya head coach. To me, aside from a couple instances when he's chewed out some players mid-game (which EVERY coach in America does EVERY game), he has been a totally affable, approachable, friendly, snuggly-bear of a head coach.

Last night, his hugs of Chris Mullin before and after the game were a great example. Several knowing smiles and laughs exchanged between the 2 coaches during the game were also caught on camera.

Another example came from Trey Wingo this morning on the Golic and Wingo radio show. After discussing the game, Trey mentioned that his son attended Georgetown and the first day Trey set foot on campus with his son, Patrick Ewing saw him, extended him a warm welcome, and actually drove him across campus in his car for his next meeting.

Ewing comes across as nice, genuine, and real. His warm personality has been a revelation to me, and one that will suit him quite well with his players and on the recruiting trail.

It's a shame that the media seems to be wanting to portray him as the "angry" Patrick Ewing. I don't think that portrayal is anywhere close to the real guy.

[hoyasaxa2003]

Ranch, I agree. Everything I have seen seen (granted limited to TV and what's online) indicates Ewing is very well respected and a nice guy. I thought it spoke volumes that shortly after being hired he interacted with students, went to the cafeteria, etc.

Not only is it a good quality, but it actually positively impacts fan perceptions of a player, which tends to give the coach a little more flexibility when it comes to on-court performance. For example, people pretty much universally agreed that in person, JT3 was very friendly, enjoyable, etc. And based on stories like what he did for Bradley Hayes, it sounds like he was a great guy too. However, I think the iron curtain approach to media hurt JT3 - he did not really connect with fans at all, and as a result, I think it made it easier for a lot of fans to turn on him when the on-court product diminished.

Of course, ultimately, you are judged by wins and losses, and Ewing will be measured mostly in that way. But, I think that having a good personality, interacting with fans and students, and generally being a nice person is something that greatly helps in this day and age.

And, I separate that completely from on-court demeanor. It's the same as teachers at every level - when you are teaching a high school class, for example, your demeanor might be drastically different than when you are one-on-one, or when you get to know that teacher better (in my schooling, I can think of at least a few examples). It's probably even more the case with basketball coaching, which involves quick, high pressure decision-making.

I guess I am not convinced the media is trying to portray him negatively, though, at least not right now. Ewing is hugely respected, and to me, it seems like when reading articles, etc., that is usually the biggest thing to come out. You are always going to have clowns like Goodman at ESPN who write nonsense, but I think most people have been respectful of him. As for the meme, I think it's sort of funny - I don't take it as negative.

[the_way]

Nothing wrong with his demeanor. It's not like he is Frank Martin or Bob Knight on the sidelines.

Pat just has that face and look during the games that reminds you of an uncle or grandparent from back in the day. Always got on your nerves with their constant nagging and discipline, but you loved and respected it as you got older. Looking back, you can laugh at the memories.

People love it and respect it. This is different than an agenda piece or hit-piece by a writer with an axe to grind. This is what people do. These are the ways of today. Jordan has tons of memes out there.

Love Ewing's coaching demeanor. Rarely see him sitting down. He is really into the games. He loves his players just as much as he loves Georgetown.

[prhoya]

Jan 10, 2018 17:00:56 GMT -5 the_way said:

Nothing wrong with his demeanor. Its not like he is Frank Martin or Bob Knight on the sidelines.

Pat just has that face and look during the games that reminds you of an uncle or grandparent from back in the day. Always got on your nerves with their constant nagging and discipline, but you loved and respected it as you got older. Looking back, you can laugh at the memories.

People love it and respect it. This is different than an agenda piece or hit-piece by a writer with an axe to grind. This is what people do. This is the ways of today. Jordan has tons of memes out there.

Love Ewing's coaching demeanor. Rarely see him sitting down. He is really into the games. He loves his players just as much as he loves Georgetown.

True. I liked how, in the pre-SJU press interview, Ewing took responsibility for not adequately preparing the team vs. Creighton's perimeter game (or something like that). What a change from not taking any blame and not knowing why we lost games during the previous years!! I'm looking forward to seeing what Pat does against BE teams we've faced already. Will he make adjustments? We'll find out soon enough vs. DePaul, SJU and Creighton, all before Jan. 27th.

[the_way]

Jan 10, 2018 17:19:31 GMT -5 prhoya said:

Jan 10, 2018 17:00:56 GMT -5 the_way said:

Nothing wrong with his demeanor. Its not like he is Frank Martin or Bob Knight on the sidelines.

Pat just has that face and look during the games that reminds you of an uncle or grandparent from back in the day. Always got on your nerves with their constant nagging and discipline, but you loved and respected it as you got older. Looking back, you can laugh at the memories.

People love it and respect it. This is different than an agenda piece or hit-piece by a writer with an axe to grind. This is what people do. This is the ways of today. Jordan has tons of memes out there.

Love Ewing's coaching demeanor. Rarely see him sitting down. He is really into the games. He loves his players just as much as he loves Georgetown.

True. I liked how, in the pre-SJU press interview, Ewing took responsibility for not adequately preparing the team vs. Creighton's perimeter game (or something like that). What a change from not taking any blame and not knowing why we lost games during the previous years!! I'm looking forward to seeing what Pat does against BE teams we've faced already. Will he make adjustments? We'll find out soon enough vs. DePaul, SJU and Creighton, all before Jan. 27th.

Not too many adjustments he can make. Maybe defensive calls and substitutions. Ultimately, guys will have to grow more and play better. Both DePaul and SJU wins were on the road too. That says a lot.

I'm even more interested in Ewing's recruiting classes and how he builds this roster.

From the 1st game of the year, you could see the immediate change of this team. We looked more structured and well-coached, especially on offense. What happens if he can add the right pieces to run his system?

Now we aren't the most talented bunch outside of Jesse and Marcus. But Mosely is much more confident. He just has a certain burst and motor on the court. The confidence is there, unlike last year. He just has to refine and build on his skills.

Kaleb is a role player, but he looks better this year.

Marcus is much more consistent. Govan is Govan and plays great.

Just wish Sodom didn't blow his chances. Could you imagine what he might of become under Pat's tutelage? We'll never know.

Mulmore is limited, but you can tell he takes great pride in playing on the ball defense. Loved his intensity when he blocked that shot during the end of the game.

Blair shows some things. Love Pat's patience with the young guys and allowing them to play through mistakes. I think Pickett will eventually come along. Interested to see how Walker develops.

[Bigs"R"Us]

You mean you don't miss the consistent "we'll figure it out" response? 🙄

[veilside21]

in case you miss it out of all the top teams have a strong guard play... they rely on combo bigs .. the rest have exceptional guard play that is our weakness its not ewings fault at all if our guards cant dribble to save their life but its been less than 20 games they will eventually improve.

i wont even put waters as what if. but if we have a guy like foster from Creighton we would be way way better.