Patrick Ewing Then and Now

Patrick Ewing Then

Patrick Ewing, born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a legendary figure in basketball.

At the age of 11, he moved to the United States, where he was first introduced to the sport while attending school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Despite starting basketball relatively late, Ewing quickly adapted to the game, shedding his initial awkwardness and developing into a formidable player. 

His talent and hard work paid off, as he became one of the most highly recruited high school players in the country.

Ewing accepted a scholarship to Georgetown University, where his collegiate basketball career flourished. 

Standing 7 feet tall (2.13 meters), he played the center position with remarkable skill and dominance. 

During his time at Georgetown, Ewing led the Hoyas to three National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I national championship games, securing a national title in 1984. 

His performances were consistently outstanding, earning him All-American honors three times.

Related Article: Julius Erving Then and Now

The pinnacle of his college career came in the 1984 Division I basketball tournament, where he was voted the Most Outstanding Player. 

Ewing’s contributions were instrumental in solidifying Georgetown’s reputation as a powerhouse in college basketball. 

His collegiate success set the stage for a remarkable professional career, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess on the court, eventually becoming one of the greatest centers in the history of the game.

Related Article: Clyde Drexler Then and Now

Patrick Ewing Career History

Patrick Ewing’s professional basketball career began when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, following their victory in the inaugural NBA draft lottery. 

Ewing arrived in New York with immense expectations, heralded as a “franchise-saving” player. 

The intense media scrutiny did not faze him, and he quickly established himself as the centerpiece of the Knicks’ roster.

Related Article: Dave DeBusschere Then and Now

Over his 15-year tenure with the team, Ewing was an 11-time NBA All-Star and led the Knicks to 13 playoff appearances, including a memorable trip to the NBA Finals in 1994. 

Despite his consistent excellence and record-setting performances—holding franchise records in points scored, rebounds, and blocked shots—Ewing never managed to secure an NBA championship for the Knicks.

Related Article: Billy Cunningham Then and Now

Following his time with the Knicks, Ewing spent two seasons with the Seattle Supersonics (2000-01) and the Orlando Magic (2001-02) before retiring in 2002. 

His career is often marked by the shadow of Michael Jordan, whose dominance during the same era was a significant factor in Ewing’s lack of an NBA title.

Related Article: Bob Cousy Then and Now

Nevertheless, Ewing retired as one of the greatest players in NBA history, known for his powerful presence and enduring impact on the court.

Transitioning into coaching after his playing career, Ewing served as an assistant coach for various NBA teams from 2003. 

His coaching career reached a new milestone in 2017 when he was appointed the head coach of the men’s basketball team at his alma mater, Georgetown University.

Related Article: Wilt Chamberlain Then and Now

Ewing’s legacy extends beyond the NBA; he was a key member of two gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball teams. 

He played on the legendary 1992 “Dream Team,” considered one of the greatest teams ever assembled, and also won gold in the 1984 Olympics.

Related Article: Larry Bird Then and Now

Ewing’s contributions to basketball were formally recognized when he was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996 and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. 

His journey from a young player in Jamaica to an NBA superstar and respected coach remains an inspiring story of talent, determination, and resilience.

Related Article: Elgin Baylor Then and Now

Patrick Ewing Height

Patrick Ewing stands at an impressive 7 feet tall. This height, combined with his remarkable skills, made him a formidable presence on the basketball court, contributing significantly to his success as a dominant center both in college and in the NBA.

Related Article: Rick Barry Then and Now

Patrick Ewing Retirement

After one season with the SuperSonics and another with the Orlando Magic, Patrick Ewing announced his retirement on September 18, 2002. 

Following his retirement from playing, he transitioned into coaching, taking a job as an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards.

Related Article: Charles Barkley Then and Now

Patrick Ewing Wife

Patrick Ewing was married to Rita Williams from 1990 to 1998. He has three children, one of whom is Patrick Ewing Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an NBA player. Ewing Jr. is the son of Ewing and Sharon Campbell.

Related Article: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Then and Now

Patrick Ewing Now

Patrick Ewing, currently 61 years old, is a Jamaican-American basketball coach and former professional player. 

Known as Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr., he last served as the head coach for the Georgetown University men’s basketball team. 

Ewing’s illustrious career as a player and coach has cemented his legacy in the basketball world, both for his on-court dominance and his contributions from the sidelines.

Related Article: Paul Arizin Then and Now

Patrick Ewing’s Net Worth

Patrick Ewing is a Jamaican-American retired basketball player and coach who has a net worth of $75 million. 

His impressive career, which began with being the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, saw him become one of the most dominant centers in the league’s history. 

Ewing’s success on the court, combined with his post-retirement coaching roles, has solidified his financial status and his legacy in basketball.

Related Article: Nate Archibald Then and Now

FAQs