Patrick Ewing (Part 1)

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9 Mar 2024

Patrick Ewing (Part 1)

Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr., born on August 5, 1962, is a prominent Jamaican-American basketball figure known for his illustrious career as both a player and coach. Ewing made significant contributions to the sport, particularly during his tenure with the New York Knicks in the NBA.
Ewing's basketball journey began with his standout performance as a center for Georgetown University, where he played for four years and led the team to three NCAA championship games. ESPN recognized his collegiate achievements by naming him the 16th-greatest college basketball player of all time in 2008.

Transitioning to the professional level, Ewing embarked on a remarkable seventeen-year NBA career, primarily with the New York Knicks. As the team's starting center, he played a pivotal role in the Knicks' success during the 1990s, earning eleven All-Star selections and securing spots on seven All-NBA teams.
Throughout his NBA career, Ewing guided the Knicks to two appearances in the NBA Finals, in 1994 and 1999, showcasing his talent and leadership on the court. His contributions to the sport extended beyond the NBA, as he represented the United States in the Olympics, winning gold medals as a member of the 1984 and 1992 men's basketball teams.

Ewing's exceptional skills and accomplishments earned him recognition as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and one of the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History in 2021. He is a two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, honored for his individual career in 2008 and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team in 2010. Additionally, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as part of the iconic "Dream Team" in 2009.
In tribute to his remarkable contributions to the Knicks franchise, Ewing's jersey number 33 was retired by the team in 2003, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

Patrick Ewing, born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, was the son of Carl and Dorothy Ewing. His birth coincided with Jamaica's declaration of independence, marking a significant moment in the country's history. As a child, Ewing displayed talent in cricket and soccer before ultimately finding his passion for basketball.
In 1975, at the age of thirteen, Ewing and his family relocated to the United States, settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. It was here that Ewing's basketball journey truly began to take shape.
Under the guidance of mentors like John Fountain and his coach Mike Jarvis, Ewing honed his skills on the basketball court at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Despite his relatively short time playing the sport, Ewing quickly emerged as one of the nation's top high school basketball prospects, thanks to his exceptional size, athleticism, and raw talent.

Ewing's dominance on the court was evident as he led Cambridge Rindge and Latin to three consecutive Massachusetts Div. I state championships from 1979 to 1981. However, his success was not without its challenges, as Ewing faced hostility from opposing fans who taunted and jeered him, even going as far as rocking the team bus upon their arrival for away games.
Recognizing the importance of education and preparation for college, Ewing participated in the MIT-Wellesley Upward Bound Program to further his academic and personal development.
Ewing's exceptional performance at the high school level and his dedication to his education set the stage for his illustrious basketball career at the collegiate and professional levels.

As a highly anticipated recruit, Patrick Ewing made a significant decision to commit to Georgetown University, under the coaching leadership of John Thompson. Ewing's announcement, made in front of a crowd in Boston, surprised many fans who had hoped he would choose to play for local schools like Boston College or Boston University. However, upon Ewing's declaration of his intention to attend Georgetown, the disappointed fans promptly left the room.
Interestingly, Ewing had also been strongly considering signing with the University of North Carolina, coached by the legendary Dean Smith. However, during a recruiting visit to North Carolina, Ewing witnessed a Ku Klux Klan rally nearby, an experience that deeply affected him and ultimately influenced his decision to opt for Georgetown instead.

During his freshman year at Georgetown in the 1981–82 season, Ewing immediately made an impact by becoming one of the first college players to start and shine on the varsity team as a freshman. Under his leadership, the Hoyas secured their second Big East tournament title and earned a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Georgetown advanced to their first Final Four since 1943, where they faced the University of Louisville.
In the championship game against North Carolina, Ewing's presence was significant, despite being called for goaltending multiple times in the first half at the urging of coach John Thompson. The game was closely contested, with Georgetown holding the lead late into the game. However, a critical shot by Michael Jordan propelled North Carolina ahead. Despite a chance for victory in the final seconds, a miscue by Freddy Brown resulted in a turnover, sealing Georgetown's defeat.