IU Signs Pat Ewing, Jr.

It may have taken a couple weeks longer than expected, but Patrick Ewing, Jr. is now signed, sealed and delivered for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Just a few moments ago, Media Relations for Indiana University released the following press release:

Bloomington, Ind. - Pat Ewing, Jr., a 6-8, 215-pound forward from National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md., has signed a national letter of intent to continue his basketball playing career at Indiana University. Ewing, the son of former NBA star Patrick Ewing, will begin his collegiate career with the Hoosiers in 2003-04.

"We're real excited to have Pat here at Indiana," Hoosier coach Mike Davis said. "He has a chance to come in and contribute right away. Pat can do a little bit of everything - he's strong and aggressive on the boards, and he can also step out and shoot it as well.

"Two of the many things that drew us to Pat were his work ethic and attitude. Pat has faced pressure throughout his career, following in his father's footsteps (by playing the same sport). But he has used that to his advantage. It has motivated him to work harder to prove that he can play, too. Obviously, his dad has been a huge influence."

National Christian Academy coach Trevor Brown is extremely pleased with Ewing's decision.

"Pat's a perfect fit for their system," Brown said. "I watched Jeff Newton play in high school, and Jeff was nowhere near as developed as Pat is at the same stage in their careers. When you look at the success that Newton and (current Washington Wizard) Jared Jeffries and (current New Orleans Hornet Kirk) Haston had at Indiana, it's a testament to what they're doing with their forwards down there. Most importantly, Pat and his family liked what it offered academically."

Ewing averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and nearly three blocks for a National Christian Academy team that finished 20-8 in 2002-03. A Washington Post All-Met selection, Ewing was named to the All-Tournament team at the Kruel Classic in Coral Springs, Fla., and was also the event's Slam Dunk Champion. As a junior, Ewing averaged 13.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg at Marietta (Ga.) High School, helping Marietta to a 28-0 regular season finish and No. 13 ranking in USA Today.

Ewing participated in a pair of All-Star games last month. He tallied 11 points in The Capital Classic in Washington, D.C. and had 11 points (two three-pointers), five rebounds and three assists at the Derek Anderson Derby Festival in Louisville.

Following is the copy from the Nov. 13 release announcing Jessan Gray-Ashley's signing:

Jessan Gray-Ashley, a 6-10, 205-pound forward from Davenport (Iowa) Central High School, has signed a national letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Indiana University. Gray will begin his collegiate career in the 2003-04 season.

"Jessan (pronounced JESS-in) is the type of player who is a great fit for our program and our system," head coach Mike Davis said. "He is an athletic 6-10 player who runs the floor, shoots and defends well. One of the best things about him is his attitude. He is working to get better every time he is out on the floor.

"Two years ago, it was (former IU All-American and current New Orleans Hornet) Kirk Haston's year. Last year, it was (Big Ten MVP and current Washington Wizard) Jared Jeffries. This year, we're looking for it to be (senior forward) Jeff Newton. With the way he has grown and how hard he works, down the road, that could be Jessan."

Gray-Ashley has grown two inches and gained 45 pounds since his junior season at Central, where he earned honorable mention all-league honors after averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game. He spent the summer playing with the Martin Brothers AAU team that enjoyed a nice run at the AAU National Tournament in Orlando.