Patrick Ewing praises US for providing opportunities to achieve to dreams
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NBA legend Patrick Ewing said Monday he’s trying to help kids take advantage of the opportunities presented to them, no matter how big or small they seem.
Ewing was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to the United States before his teens. he said FOX 5 NY that he is grateful to his parents for moving to the US, which helped him achieve great success.
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New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing is photographed before the game between the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2026. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
An event like the Kipp Cup basketball tournament is “great” for kids in the area, he said at an event hosted by Kipp Charter Schools in New York.
“I think it’s great. I’m Jamaican… There are a lot of Black and Brown people who moved here to this country and became extremely successful. Every time I go to their graves, I thank my mom and dad for bringing me to this country and for being able to achieve the dreams that I dreamed of,” he told the station.
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Georgetown Hoyas center Patrick Ewing (33) is on the court 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 things I try to tell these kids. No matter where they come from, whether they’re immigrants, whether they’re American or whether they were born here, it’s about opportunity. When you’re given the opportunity, you take it. If you have a passion for something, make sure you do it. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it. Someone once told me I couldn’t do it, and if I had listened to that person, I wouldn’t have done it. That’s what I became.”
Ewing had the opportunity to play college 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, missing the honor only 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 a game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 1995. (Sports Illustrated via Manny Millan/Getty Image)
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Ewing averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds during his Hall of Fame career.
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