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NBA legend Patrick Ewing said Monday that he tries to help kids take advantage of the opportunities they’re given, no matter how big or small they may seem.
Ewing was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to the United States before he was a teenager. He told FOX 5 NY that he is grateful to his parents for moving to the United States, which helped him achieve wild success.
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New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing is pictured before a game between the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2026. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
While at an event for Kipp Charter Schools in New York, he said it was “awesome” for area kids to have an event like the Kipp Cup basketball tournament.
“I think it’s amazing. I’m from Jamaica… There are a lot of black and brown people who have moved here to this country and have done extremely well. I thank my mom and dad every time I go to their graves for bringing me to this country and for me to be able to achieve the dreams that I could dream,” he told the station.
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Georgetown Hoyas center Patrick Ewing (33) on the field against the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the 1984 men’s Final Four at the Kingdome on March 31, 1984. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)
“That’s the kind of thing I try to convey to these kids. No matter where they’re from, they can be immigrants, they can be American or born here, it’s about the opportunity. When you get an opportunity, you take advantage of it. When you have a passion for something, make sure you put in the work. Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do it. Once I was able to listen to me and I couldn’t listen to that person, I wouldn’t have been what I became.”
Ewing managed to play collegiate basketball at Georgetown before the New York Knicks selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.
He was an 11-time All-Star with the Knicks, just missing the honor in the 1986-87 season. He finished his career playing for the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic.
New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing (33) points during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 1995. (Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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Ewing averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds during his Hall of Fame career.
