NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
NBA legend Patrick Ewing said Monday that he’s trying to help kids take advantage of the opportunities they’re given, no matter how big or small they 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 US, which helped him achieve great success.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
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/Image Images)
While at a Kipp Charter Schools event in New York, he said it was “great” for kids in the area to have an event like the Kipp Cup basketball tournament.
“I think it’s great. I’m from Jamaica…There are a lot of black and brown people who have moved here to this country and done very well. I thank my mom and dad every time I go to their grave for bringing me to this country and for being able to achieve the dreams that I was able to dream,” he told the station.
2025-26 NBA TITLE ODDS: THUNDERS, NUGGETS STAY STABLE COMING OUT OF ALL-STAR BREAK
Georgetown Hoyas center Patrick Ewing (33) on the court 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 may be immigrants, they may be American or born here, it’s all about opportunity. When you’re given an opportunity, you take it. When you have a passion for something, make sure you work hard. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Once upon a time someone told me that I wasn’t going to be able to do it and if I had listened to that person, that wouldn’t have been who I became.”
Ewing went on to play college basketball at Georgetown before the New York Knicks selected him with the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.
He was an 11-time All-Star with the Knicks, only losing the honor during 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 Millán/Sports Illustrated via Getty Image)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Ewing averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds during his Hall of Fame career.
