Patrick Ewing Reflects on March Madness and His Legacy
March is a particularly poignant time for basketball legend Patrick Ewing, whose journey to the Basketball Hall of Fame began with a dominant run at Georgetown University. As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, Ewing recalls both the triumphs and heartbreaks of his collegiate career, and his continued connection to the game.
Georgetown Glory and Lasting Memories
Ewing led the Georgetown Hoyas to three Final Four appearances, culminating in a national championship victory in 1984. Reflecting on his time with the Hoyas, Ewing expressed gratitude for the experience, despite only winning one title. “I was fortunate enough to make it to three title games, but unfortunately, we only came away with one, but I wouldn’t change that experience for the world,” he said. USA Today
Despite his success, the 1985 national championship game loss to Villanova remains a painful memory. “That’s still hard to even talk about,” Ewing admitted. He described the loss as particularly tough, emphasizing the single-elimination nature of the tournament. “Being at the Final Four and going against all these great athletes, you have to be at the top of your game to come away with the win. It’s not like the NBA, where it’s the best of seven. If you have a lousy day, that day’s over and we didn’t play well enough to get that win.”
From Georgetown to the NBA and Beyond
Ewing’s collegiate success translated into a legendary career with the New York Knicks. He now serves as an ambassador for the organization. His impact on basketball extends beyond his playing days; he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. USA Today
Ewing as well had a stint as head coach at Georgetown University from 2017-2023 and has served as an NBA assistant coach with four different franchises. USA Basketball. In November 2024, he began his involvement with USA Basketball as an assistant coach for the 2025 USA Basketball Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying team, marking his first coaching role with the organization in 32 years. USA Basketball
A Recent Reunion and Continued Recognition
In celebration of March Madness, Ewing recently reunited with former Knicks teammate John Starks and current Knicks players Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony Towns, and Jose Alvarado for an AT&T commercial. Ewing praised the Knicks organization for bridging the gap between generations of players. USA Today
Olympic Gold and International Success
Ewing’s accomplishments extend to the international stage, having won Olympic gold medals with the USA in both Los Angeles (1984) and Barcelona (1992). USA Basketball