Patrick Ewing
Who was Patrick Ewing?
Jamaican-born basketball center who played 17 NBA seasons, primarily with the New York Knicks. He was an 11-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist for the United States.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Patrick Ewing (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. was born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica. He moved to the United States as a child and went on to become one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His 17-year career was mostly with the New York Knicks from 1985 to 2000. At 7 feet tall, Ewing was the key player for the Knicks and led them to the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999, although they didn't win a championship.
Ewing's basketball talent was evident at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Massachusetts, where he was one of the top recruits in the country. He played college basketball at Georgetown University under coach John Thompson, leading the team to three NCAA championship games in four years. ESPN later ranked him as the 16th greatest college basketball player of all time in 2008.
The New York Knicks picked Ewing first overall in the 1985 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact by winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Over his career, he was selected for eleven All-Star games and made seven All-NBA teams. Known for his tough defense and offensive skills, Ewing was a standout player during the physical style of the NBA in the 1990s.
Ewing also played for the United States in international competitions, winning Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1992 with the famous Dream Team. His achievements were honored with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 for his career and again in 2010 as part of the 1992 Olympic team. The Knicks retired his number 33 in 2003, recognizing him as one of their greatest players. After retiring, Ewing moved into coaching and now works as a basketball ambassador for the New York Knicks.
Before Fame
Patrick Ewing moved from Jamaica to the United States when he was a child, settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, he became a basketball standout under coach Mike Jarvis, reaching his full height of 7 feet and excelling in high school competitions. His outstanding performance caught the eye of college programs across the country, making him one of the most sought-after recruits.
Ewing chose Georgetown University, where he played under coach John Thompson from 1981 to 1985. During his college years, he became the face of the Georgetown basketball team and helped build the program into a national leader. His strong presence in the paint and shot-blocking skills made Georgetown a regular contender, taking them to NCAA championship games in 1982, 1984, and 1985, with a title win in 1984.
Key Achievements
- 11-time NBA All-Star and 7-time All-NBA team selection
- Olympic gold medalist in 1984 and 1992 with Team USA
- NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner in 1986
- Led New York Knicks to NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999
- Two-time Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2008, 2010)
Did You Know?
- 01.He appeared in the 1996 movie Space Jam alongside Michael Jordan and other NBA stars
- 02.Ewing was selected as one of both the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and 75 Greatest Players in 2021
- 03.He is a two-time Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, honored individually in 2008 and as part of the 1992 Dream Team in 2010
- 04.The Knicks won the NBA Draft Lottery in 1985 to select Ewing, leading to conspiracy theories about the lottery being rigged
- 05.He received the Great Immigrants Award in 2006 and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2014
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Rookie of the Year Award | — | — |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | — | — |
| Great Immigrants Award | 2006 | — |
| New Jersey Hall of Fame | 2014 | — |