Paul Hewitt is the new coach at George Mason, according to CBSSports.com, which first reported the story.
Georgia Tech fired Hewitt after 11 seasons, including five NCAA Tournament trips and an appearance in the 2004 national championship game. He was 190-162 during his tenure with the Jackets.
George Mason features several local products on its roster, including sophomore guard Sherrod Wright of Mount Vernon, redshirt-freshman forward Paris Bennett of Linden, N.J., and junior forward Ryan Pearson of Christ the King.
Vaughn Gray, a senior guard at St. Benedict’s Prep remains committed to George Mason.
“Vaughn is very excited with the choice,” his mother, June, said by text. “Although he hasn’t spoken to Coach Hewitt yet, he’s made a decision to keep his commitment to George Mason.”
Point guard Corey Edwards of Christ the King said he was waiting to hear from Hewitt.
“I really haven’t heard anything about it,” Edwards said Saturday by phone. “I spoke to the AD a couple days ago and he said he they were thinking about picking a coach that we all could relate to. If it’s Paul Hewitt, then it’s Paul Hewitt.
“It’s too early to tell [what I will do]. He’s a good coach. He’s from New York, obviously.”
