Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo are linked by their Georgetown roots as ferocious, dominating centers who played for John Thompson and became perennial NBA All-Stars and close friends.
The former Hoyas are also linked by their influence during bargaining talks during the 1999 NBA lockout — so much so that commissioner David Stern cited their past negotiating prowess during an NBA Finals press conference in June.
In a bit of irony, the NBA announced yesterday on Day 54 of the 2011 Lockout that Ewing, Mourning and Mutombo will replace the current players and lead a contingent visiting South Africa Sept. 1-4 as part of the league’s annual “Basketball without Borders” program.
Stern said when the lockout commenced July 1 that current NBA players would not be permitted to participate in the program and the replacement group would be made up of retired players, coaches and team management (Knicks scout Mark Hughes is part of the group).
The Players Association has no beef with the NBA on arranging replacements. One union official said it has “no issues with any purely altruistic endeavors by anyone, whether they are retired players, regardless who initiates them.”
Ewing, the former Knicks legend and current Magic assistant coach, is not permitted to discuss being on the other side of the lockout. “You know we can’t talk about the current situation,” Ewing said on a conference call.
When asked by The Post his recollection of the trio’s role in 1999, Ewing said, “Back then, I was former president of the Players Association. We were just trying to do the best thing we could to get a deal that was fair for both us and the owners. It was serious negotiations. Unfortunately, it took part of the season. But that’s all I can say about it.”
Ewing, Mourning and Mutombo visited Kenya, Congo and South Africa in 1994. Ewing’s lone lament was he never met Nelson Mandela, as his two buddies did, because he arrived on the trip late.
“When they first asked me to come, I jumped at it — I’m there,” Ewing said. “It was a great experience for me. South Africa has a strong history, fought their way to equal rights and to come back there and see the motherland, and grow the game of basketball. It’s a great opportunity.
“Basketball afforded me a great life. All we’re doing is trying to teach these kids something we love, grew up playing it, dreaming it. This is giving back and helping others reach their potential in hopes of a better life.”
Ewing had his first head coaching interview last month with Detroit but lost out to Lawrence Frank.
“I had a phone interview with the Pistons, then met with Joe [Dumars], the new owner. I thought it was a great interview,” Ewing said. “They told me I did an outstanding job. They were looking for a more experienced head coach. My first interview is under my belt and am looking forward to many more and hopefully become a head coach very soon.”