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NBA legend Patrick Ewing said Monday he tries to help kids take advantage of the opportunities given to them, no matter their size.
Ewing was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to the United States before he was a teenager. He told FOX 5 NY that he was grateful to his parents for moving to the United States, which helped him achieve meteoric 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)
At an event hosted by Kipp Charter Schools in New York, he said it was “awesome” for local kids 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 have done extremely well. I thank my mom and dad every time I go to their graves for bringing me to this country and being able to realize the dreams that I may have dreamed,” he told the station.
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Georgetown Hoyas center Patrick Ewing (33) on the field against the Kentucky Wildcats during the 1984 Men’s Final Four semifinals at the Kingdome on March 31, 1984. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)
“Those are the kinds of things I try to echo to these kids. It doesn’t matter where they come from, whether they’re immigrants, whether they’re American or born here, it’s about opportunity. When you’re given an opportunity, you take advantage of it. When you have a passion for something, make sure you put the work in. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it. Once upon a time someone told me I wasn’t going to be able to do it and If I had listened to that person, I wouldn’t have become what I became.”
Ewing was able to play college basketball at Georgetown before the New York Knicks selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 1985 NBA draft.
He was an 11-time All-Star with the Knicks, only missing 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 Millan/Sports Illustrated via Getty Image)
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Ewing averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds during his Hall of Fame career.
