NBL1 North: Patrick Ewing Jr elevated to South West Metro Pirates head coach for the next two seasons

A former NBA player and son of an NBA great is set to take the reins of an NBL1 North side. More here.

Patrick Ewing JR has been appointed as the South West Metro Pirates head coach for the next two NBL1 North seasons. Picture: South West Metro Pirates Facebook.

Patrick Ewing Jr has been unveiled as the South West Metro Pirates head coach for the next two NBL1 North seasons.

Ewing Jr is the son of NBA hall of famer Patrick Ewing - a number one draft pick, rookie of the year, and an 11-time all-star - and had been working as an assistant coach at the Pirates last season.

“We are excited to welcome Patrick Ewing Jr. as our head coach,” said Pirates CEO Chris Angus in a club statement.

“His extensive playing background, combined with his coaching experience, makes him the perfect fit for our organization.

“Patrick’s passion for the game and commitment to developing young talent will be instrumental in our pursuit of success.”

Ewing Jr played seven NBA games for New Orleans after playing his college basketball at Georgetown University, and was taken in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft.

Patrick Ewing Jr’s dad, New York Knicks' Patrick Ewing (right) is blocked by Philadelphia 76ers' Manute Bol during an NBA basketball game at New York's Madison Square Garden. Picture: AP Photo/Jim Sulley.

After his NBA career, Ewing played basketball in Germany, Spain, Greece and Qatar, before moving into coaching.

He has worked as an assistant coach at Georgetown University before moving to the Canadian Elite Basketball League where he was an assistant as the Ottawa Blackjacks and head coach of the Newfoundland Growlers.

Ewing Jr joined the Pirates’ program last season and is also a player development coach at the Brisbane Bullets. He revealed on the Aussie Hoopla podcast earlier this year that it was a longstanding connection with former Pirates coach and six-time NBL champion CJ Bruton that brought him to Australia.

The Pirates dropped to 12th on the NBL1 North ladder in 2024 after a strong 2023 campaign where they reached the semifinals.

The NBL1 North competition will be reduced from 14 teams to 12 ahead of the 2025 season, after the North Gold Coast Seahawks and Darwin Salties pulled out.

Originally published as NBL1 North: Patrick Ewing Jr elevated to South West Metro Pirates head coach for the next two seasons