Patrick Aloysius Ewing, born August 5, 1962, is a Hall of Fame center who starred at Georgetown University and became a defining figure for the New York Knicks in the 1980s and 1990s. A 7-foot pillar of defense and physical play, Ewing helped Georgetown win the 1984 NCAA Championship and was the NBA’s top pick in 1985, launching a storied pro career.
1. Early Life
Patrick Aloysius Ewing, born in 1962, rose through the ranks to become one of the most celebrated college centers in basketball. He attended Georgetown University from 1981 to 1985, where his combination of length, defense, and scoring established him as a national prospect.
2. Georgetown Years and NCAA Championship (1984)
At Georgetown, Patrick Ewing led the Hoyas to the 1984 NCAA Championship, cementing his reputation as a transformative big man in college basketball. His dominant inside play helped Georgetown reach multiple deep tournament runs and shaped the modern center archetype in the NBA.
3. NBA Draft and Knicks Era (1985–2000)
Patrick Ewing was selected first overall in the 1985 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, launching a storied career primarily with New York. As the franchise centerpiece, Ewing combined shot-blocking, post scoring, and rim protection to anchor the Knicks for over a decade and a half. He later spent short stretches with Seattle and Orlando before retiring in 2002.
4. Prime Years: Centering the Defense
Known for his exceptional length at 7 feet and his defensive presence, Patrick Ewing anchored the Knicks’ rotations with durability and consistency. His footwork in the post and mid-range hook shot remain iconic, illustrating a traditional big-man approach that influenced generations of centers.
5. Finals Appearances
Patrick Ewing led New York to two NBA Finals appearances, facing elite teams in 1994 and 1999. While he did not win a championship, those runs highlighted his impact on the league and his team’s competitiveness during the 1990s.
6. Career Highlights and Stats
Patrick Ewing earned 11 NBA All-Star selections and played a central role on one of the league’s most recognizable teams. His career spanned 1985–2002, with notable NCAA and NBA milestones that solidify his legacy in basketball history.
7. Hall of Fame and Legacy
Patrick Ewing was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, acknowledging his lasting influence on the sport. His legacy extends beyond the Knicks and Georgetown, influencing the way centers are evaluated in basketball history.
8. Post-Playing Career
Since retirement, Patrick Ewing has remained active in basketball through coaching and front-office roles, continuing to shape the game off the court and mentoring the next generation of players.
9. 2025 Perspective
In 2025, Patrick Ewing’s legacy continues to resonate in NBA and Basketball conversations. His NCAA title with Georgetown and his enduring impact on the Knicks frame discussions about great centers and lasting influence in the sport.
Discussion Questions
- How does Patrick Ewing rank among the greatest centers in NBA history, and why?
- What defined Ewing’s Knicks era in the 1990s, and which games stand out most to you?
- How would you compare Patrick Ewing’s playing style to contemporary centers in 2025?
- Should Patrick Ewing be remembered more for his on-court achievements or his coaching and mentoring roles?
- What lesson from Patrick Ewing’s career should aspiring players take into 2025?
CTA: Join the discussion and share your favorite Ewing moment, stat, or take.