"Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. is a Jamaican-American retired basketball player and former coach for Georgetown University's men's team. Widely considered one of the greatest centers in basketball history, Ewing played most of his career with the NBA's New York Knicks, where he was instrumental in their success during the 1990s. He concluded his playing career with short periods playing for the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic."
1943: Georgetown Reaches First Final Four Since 1943
In 1981, led by freshman Patrick Ewing, the Georgetown Hoyas reached the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 1943.
August 5, 1962: Patrick Ewing is Born
On August 5, 1962, Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. was born in Kingston, Jamaica.
1966: NBA Draft Format Introduced
In 1966, the NBA adopted a draft format similar to the NFL, where teams were awarded draft positions based on their winning percentage.
1975: Ewing Moves to the United States
In 1975, at the age of 12, Patrick Ewing and his family relocated from Jamaica to Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston.
1979: First of Three Consecutive State Championships
In 1979, Patrick Ewing led Cambridge Rindge and Latin School to the first of their three consecutive Massachusetts Div. I state championships.
1981: Third Consecutive State Championship
Patrick Ewing and his team at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School won their third straight Massachusetts Div. I state championship in 1981.
1981: Ewing Joins Georgetown University
Patrick Ewing began his freshman year at Georgetown University in 1981, making an immediate impact by becoming one of the few freshmen to start on the varsity team.
1982: "Game of the Decade"
The highly anticipated matchup between Patrick Ewing's Georgetown Hoyas and Ralph Sampson's Virginia Cavaliers took place in 1982, a game dubbed the "Game of the Decade".
1983: Georgetown Wins NCAA Championship
In 1983, Patrick Ewing led the Georgetown Hoyas to their first and only NCAA Championship, defeating the Houston Cougars in the final.
1984: Georgetown Upset in National Championship Game
In 1984, despite being the favorites, Patrick Ewing and the Georgetown Hoyas were upset by Villanova in the NCAA National Championship game, ending their quest for back-to-back titles.
1984: Olympic Gold Medalist
Patrick Ewing was part of the United States men's Olympic basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.
1984: Olympic Gold Medalist
Patrick Ewing was part of the United States men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games. He averaged 11 points per game and led the tournament in blocked shots with 18.
1984: Last Coin Toss for Top Pick
The 1984 NBA Draft marked the end of an era, as it was the last time a coin toss was used to determine the top pick between the teams with the worst records in each conference.
1985: Ewing Drafted by the Knicks
In 1985, the NBA held its first-ever draft lottery, with the New York Knicks winning the right to select first. Amidst controversy surrounding a potentially rigged selection process, the Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing, signing him to a 10-year, $32 million contract.
1985: Ewing Expected to be Top Pick in NBA Draft
The 1985 NBA draft held significant anticipation as Patrick Ewing was widely projected to be the top pick, marking a historical moment for the team that would select him.
1986: Adidas Endorsement Deal
Patrick Ewing inked his first sneaker endorsement deal with Adidas in 1986, marking the beginning of a successful partnership with the renowned sportswear brand.
1990: Marriage to Rita Williams
Patrick Ewing married Rita Williams in 1990.
1991: Launch of Ewing Athletics
In 1991, Next Sports secured a licensing agreement to introduce footwear bearing Patrick Ewing's name in the United States. This venture led to the establishment of Ewing Athletics, a company that would operate until 1996.
1992: Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 1992, Patrick Ewing earned his second Olympic gold medal as a member of the United States men's Olympic basketball team, widely known as the "Dream Team."
1992: Ewing's Valiant Performance Not Enough
In the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Patrick Ewing delivered a memorable performance in Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls, scoring 27 points despite a bad ankle sprain. While his effort drew comparisons to Willis Reed's famous NBA Finals performance, the Knicks ultimately fell to the Bulls in Game 7.
1992: Olympic Gold Medalist
Patrick Ewing was a member of the iconic 1992 "Dream Team," widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled. The team dominated the 1992 Olympic Games, securing the gold medal for the United States.
1992: Ewing and the Dream Team
Patrick Ewing was selected to be part of the original Dream Team, representing the United States at the 1992 Olympic Games.
April 14, 1993: Ewing Blocked by Bogues, Knicks Fall to Bulls
On April 14, 1993, during a game between the Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, Patrick Ewing was memorably blocked by 5-foot-3-inch point guard Muggsy Bogues. Later that year, despite having the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference, Ewing and the Knicks lost to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals after leading the series 2-0. The Bulls secured their third consecutive NBA title with the victory.
1993: NBA Defensive Rebounds Leader
Patrick Ewing showcased his dominance on the boards in 1993, leading the NBA in defensive rebounds with 789.
1994: First NBA Finals Appearance with the Knicks
In 1994, Patrick Ewing led the New York Knicks to their first NBA Finals appearance during his time with the team.
1994: Ewing Leads Knicks to Finals, Falls Short
In 1994, Patrick Ewing led the Knicks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1973. Despite Ewing's impressive performance, including setting an NBA Finals record for most blocked shots in a series (30) and a single game (8), the Knicks lost to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets in a heartbreaking seven-game series.
1994: NBA Finals Single-Game Blocks Record Broken
During the 2009 NBA Finals, Patrick Ewing witnessed Dwight Howard, the Magic's center, surpass Ewing's own record for most blocked shots in a single Finals game. Howard recorded nine blocks in Game 4, surpassing Ewing's eight blocks in Game 5 of the 1994 Finals.
1995: Knicks Eliminated by Record-Setting Bulls
During the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks were eliminated in five games by the record-setting Chicago Bulls, who went on to win their fourth NBA Championship.
1996: Closure of Ewing Athletics
Ewing Athletics, the footwear company founded in 1991, ceased operations in 1996.
1996: Visits to The Gold Club
Patrick Ewing acknowledged visiting The Gold Club, an Atlanta establishment, in 1996. His presence at the club became a point of discussion during a 2001 trial.
1996: Appearance in "Space Jam"
Patrick Ewing showcased his acting skills with a cameo appearance as himself in the 1996 film "Space Jam." He was among the five NBA players whose talent was stolen by the villainous Monstars, joining Charles Barkley, Shawn Bradley, Larry Johnson, and Muggsy Bogues in the memorable basketball-themed movie.
1996: Ewing Named One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
Patrick Ewing's impact on the NBA was solidified in 1996 when he was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
December 20, 1997: Ewing Suffers Career-Threatening Injury
On December 20, 1997, while playing against the Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick Ewing sustained a severe wrist injury after falling awkwardly on a dunk attempt. The injury, described as something more commonly seen in car accident victims, required immediate surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage, putting his career in jeopardy.
1997: Visits to The Gold Club
Patrick Ewing admitted to visiting The Gold Club, an Atlanta establishment, in 1997. His presence at the club became a point of discussion during a 2001 trial.
1997: Knicks Collapse Against the Heat
The Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, suffered a disappointing defeat in the 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat. Despite leading the series 3-1, the Knicks lost Game 5 after a brawl involving both benches, ultimately losing the series in seven games.
1998: Divorce from Rita Williams
Patrick Ewing and Rita Williams divorced in 1998 after eight years of marriage.
1999: Second NBA Finals Appearance with the Knicks
Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks made their second appearance in the NBA Finals in 1999.
1999: 22,000 Points and 10,000 Rebounds
In 1999, Patrick Ewing achieved a significant career milestone, becoming the 10th player in NBA history to score 22,000 points and grab 10,000 rebounds.
2000: Ewing Traded from New York
After requesting a trade, Patrick Ewing was sent to the Seattle SuperSonics in a four-team deal during the 2000 offseason, ending his 15-year tenure with the New York Knicks.
2000: Alonzo Mourning's Kidney Ailment
In 2000, Alonzo Mourning, a close friend and rival of Patrick Ewing, received a diagnosis of a serious kidney ailment. This news deeply affected Ewing, who was known for his strong bond with Mourning.
2000: Ewing's Final Season with the Knicks
In his final season with the Knicks in 2000, Patrick Ewing led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers. This marked his 1,000th game with the team, making him the only player in franchise history to achieve that milestone.
July 2001: Testimony in Prostitution Trial
In July 2001, Patrick Ewing provided testimony in a federal trial involving an Atlanta club owner facing charges related to prostitution. During his testimony, Ewing admitted to receiving sexual favors from dancers at the club in 1996 and 1997. However, he maintained that he did not engage in any financial transactions for the encounters and did not perceive his actions as constituting prostitution. Ewing did not face any criminal charges in connection with the case.
September 18, 2002: Ewing Announces Retirement
Patrick Ewing officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on September 18, 2002, after playing one season with the Seattle SuperSonics and one season with the Orlando Magic. He subsequently joined the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach.
2002: Assistant Coach for the Washington Wizards
Patrick Ewing began his coaching career in 2002 as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards under the ownership of his former rival, Michael Jordan.
February 28, 2003: Ewing's Number Retired
In recognition of his contributions to the franchise, the New York Knicks retired Patrick Ewing's number 33 jersey on February 28, 2003, during a special ceremony held at Madison Square Garden.
2003: Assistant Coach for the Houston Rockets
In 2003, Patrick Ewing transitioned to the Houston Rockets as an assistant coach after one season with the Wizards.
2003: Kidney Compatibility Testing
In a testament to their enduring friendship, Patrick Ewing underwent kidney compatibility testing in 2003 to determine if he could donate a kidney to Alonzo Mourning, who was battling a kidney ailment. However, Mourning's cousin ultimately proved to be a better match.
2003: Knicks Retire Ewing's Number 33
In 2003, the New York Knicks paid tribute to Patrick Ewing's illustrious career by retiring his jersey number 33.
2006: Resignation from the Houston Rockets
After three seasons with the Houston Rockets, Patrick Ewing stepped down from his assistant coaching position in 2006 to prioritize family time.
July 3, 2007: Assistant Coach for the Orlando Magic
Patrick Ewing joined the Orlando Magic's coaching staff as an assistant coach on July 3, 2007, under first-year head coach Stan Van Gundy.
2008: Ewing Named One of the Greatest College Players of All Time
In 2008, ESPN recognized Patrick Ewing's college basketball career by naming him the 16th-greatest college basketball player of all time.
2008: Patrick Ewing Jr. Drafted by Sacramento Kings
Patrick Ewing Jr., following in his father's footsteps, was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft with the 43rd overall pick. He was later traded to the New York Knicks, his father's former team.
2009: NBA Finals Appearance
Patrick Ewing, as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic, reached the 2009 NBA Finals. Despite a strong playoff run, the Magic fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship series.
2009: Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame
Patrick Ewing was honored for his achievements with the "Dream Team" in 2009 when he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
2009: Snickers Commercial
Patrick Ewing appeared in a humorous 2009 commercial for Snickers. In the ad, he playfully suggested that those who consume the candy bar might find themselves on the receiving end of a dunk by "Patrick Chewing."
2010: Coaching Son Patrick Ewing Jr.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Patrick Ewing had the opportunity to coach his son, Patrick Ewing Jr., during the 2010 NBA Summer League. Ewing Jr. played for the Orlando Magic at the time.
2010: Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as Part of the 1992 Olympic Team
Patrick Ewing's contributions to the iconic "Dream Team" were acknowledged in 2010 when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.
2012: Resurrection of Ewing Athletics
David Goldberg, along with his company GPF Footwear LLC, successfully collaborated with Patrick Ewing to revive the Ewing Athletics brand in 2012. Capitalizing on the growing trend of retro footwear, they reintroduced the classic shoe line to the market.
November 8, 2013: Interim Head Coach of the Charlotte Bobcats
Patrick Ewing assumed the role of interim head coach for the Charlotte Bobcats on November 8, 2013, due to head coach Steve Clifford's heart surgery. Unfortunately, Ewing's first game in charge resulted in a loss against his former team, the New York Knicks.
2014: Donation to Georgetown University
In 2014, Patrick Ewing and sports agent David Falk made a generous donation of $3.3 million to support the construction of the John R. Thompson, Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Center at Georgetown University. The amount held special significance, referencing Ewing's iconic jersey number, 33.
2014: Georgetown's Last NCAA Tournament Appearance
The Georgetown Hoyas' most recent NCAA tournament appearance prior to 2021 occurred during the 2014-15 season, marking their last appearance in the prestigious tournament for several years.
2015: Last Postseason Tournament Appearance
The Georgetown Hoyas, under the guidance of John Thompson III, made their last appearance in a postseason tournament in 2015. They participated in the 2015 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.
April 3, 2017: Head Coach of the Georgetown Hoyas
Patrick Ewing's coaching career took a significant turn on April 3, 2017, when he was appointed as the head coach of his alma mater, the Georgetown Hoyas.
May 14, 2019: Ewing Represents Knicks at Draft Lottery
On May 14, 2019, Patrick Ewing represented the New York Knicks at the NBA draft lottery for the first time, where the team secured the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
2019: Big East Coach of the Year
In his third season as head coach, Patrick Ewing led the Georgetown Hoyas to a successful season, culminating in a bid to the 2019 National Invitation Tournament. This marked Georgetown's first postseason tournament appearance since 2015. Ewing's contributions were recognized with the Big East Coach of the Year award, highlighting his impact on the team's resurgence.
2020: First Round Exit in Big East Tournament
The Georgetown Hoyas, led by Patrick Ewing, experienced a first-round exit in the 2020 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament. The tournament was cut short due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Ewing's Legacy
As of 2021, Patrick Ewing ranks 23rd on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 24,815 points, solidifying his place as one of the league's most prolific scorers.
2021: Ewing Honored Among the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History
In 2021, Patrick Ewing's legacy in basketball continued to be celebrated as he was named one of the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History.
2021: Big East Conference Tournament Champions
Patrick Ewing guided the Georgetown Hoyas to an unexpected championship victory in the 2021 Big East Conference tournament. As the eighth seed, they defied expectations by defeating the top-seeded Villanova Wildcats in the quarterfinals and triumphing over the second-seeded Creighton Bluejays in the championship game. This victory secured their first NCAA tournament appearance since the 2014-15 season.
2022: Winless in Big East Conference Play
The Georgetown Hoyas, under Patrick Ewing's leadership, faced a challenging 2022 season, going winless in Big East Conference play. Their overall record of 6-25 reflected their struggles throughout the season.
March 9, 2023: Termination as Georgetown Hoyas Head Coach
Patrick Ewing's tenure as the head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas came to an end on March 9, 2023, when he was fired from the position. Despite leading the team to the 2021 Big East Conference tournament championship, subsequent seasons saw a decline in performance, leading to his dismissal.