Patrick Ewing Quotes

Powerful Patrick Ewing for Daily Growth

About Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing, born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, is not just renowned as a legendary basketball player but also an accomplished author, a testament to his multifaceted talent and enduring impact. Ewing immigrated to the United States at the age of 11, settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he discovered his passion for basketball. He attended Catholic Memorial School before being recruited by Georgetown University, where he would lead the Hoyas to an NCAA championship in 1984. His college career culminated in his selection as the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. Ewing spent his entire 15-year professional basketball career with the Knicks, becoming a 10-time NBA All-Star and the franchise's all-time leading scorer among centers. His impact off the court was equally significant. In 2000, he established the Patrick Ewing Charitable Foundation to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children in New York City. Transitioning into authorship, Ewing penned "A Little Guy Named Fame" in 2018. This heartwarming children's book tells the story of a young boy who dreams of playing basketball like his hero, Patrick Ewing. The book is a poignant reflection of Ewing's own journey and serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, one can overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams. Today, Patrick Ewing remains an iconic figure in both the sports and literary worlds. His biography encapsulates the spirit of resilience, determination, and generosity that has made him a beloved figure for fans around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

This quote emphasizes that success and failure are transient states; neither guarantees long-term victory nor permanent defeat. The true measure of a person lies in their courage, the ability to persist and keep trying despite setbacks or disappointments. It signifies resilience, tenacity, and an unwavering spirit that continues to face challenges, learn from mistakes, and strive for greater achievements.


"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good."

This quote emphasizes that consistent effort, not just feelings of motivation or good mood, is key to achieving one's goals in life. It suggests that it is important to push through difficult times and not let momentary feelings dictate our actions, as productivity and success can often come from perseverance even when we don't feel our best.


"I've always said, 'It's not where you start, it's where you finish.'"

This quote emphasizes that the ultimate outcome or destination (where you finish) is more significant than the initial position or beginning (where you start). It suggests that everyone has different starting points in life, but what truly matters is how far one can progress and achieve, regardless of their original circumstances.


"In the NBA, every night is a playoff game. You have to be ready every single time."

This quote emphasizes the high level of intensity and importance that every game in the National Basketball Association (NBA) carries, as each one is essentially a playoff-level matchup. It highlights the need for NBA players to consistently maintain peak performance, preparation, focus, and mental toughness, because the stakes are always high and every opponent poses a significant threat. This mindset is crucial for success in such a competitive environment.


"I think I was more competitive when I was younger because I had something to prove. Now, I want to make sure I keep proving it."

The quote suggests that Patrick Ewing's competitive spirit was stronger during his youth as he felt the need to prove himself. As he matures, he no longer seeks justification but is driven by a desire to continually demonstrate his skills and abilities, maintaining a high level of competitiveness throughout his life. This quote reflects the evolution of motivation from seeking validation to upholding one's reputation for consistency and excellence.


Whenever my body heals and the pain and all the swelling goes away is when I'll be ready.

- Patrick Ewing

Pain, Away, Whenever, Heals

Every time when they would call my name I kept hearing 'New York Knicks' instead of 'Seattle SuperSonics.'

- Patrick Ewing

New, Kept, Instead, Knicks

Pat Riley, Dave Checketts and Ernie Grunfeld - they brought the Knicks back to the glory days. It started with Rick Pitino. We took our first step with him, making the playoffs. When Pat came in we just kicked the door open.

- Patrick Ewing

Door, Dave, Brought, Knicks

People think that just because you're a center, you're not as smart as the guards or the smaller guys.

- Patrick Ewing

Think, Just Because, Smaller, Guards

When I played with the Knicks, I was just as important or just as smart as any other of the guards I played with. I still had to call out plays, notice schemes, know the systems, do everything they had to do.

- Patrick Ewing

Other, Still, Plays, Guards

I'm just like any person who is coaching in this league, I'm just looking for an opportunity, that's all.

- Patrick Ewing

Opportunity, Like, League, Just Looking

I've been an assistant for seven years now and I haven't had one head coaching interview. I'm doing something wrong.

- Patrick Ewing

Doing, Been, Assistant, Interview

Brooklyn, it's a great town, a great city. It's New York.

- Patrick Ewing

New York, New, Town, Great City

Amare, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups - they're virtually unstoppable.

- Patrick Ewing

Virtually, Unstoppable

I've been to the Hall of Fame many times, in grade school and high school. I had field trips to the Hall of Fame and taking tours of it. I just never thought about that one day I possibly might be in it. I think it'd be great.

- Patrick Ewing

Thought, Been, I Think, Possibly

Too much negotiating and not enough work on the court - that's what happened to me during the lockout. Too much talking and not enough training. I couldn't put in my usual offseason work routine. I think that all caught up to me, with my Achilles problems.

- Patrick Ewing

Training, Caught, I Think, Negotiating

I'm sure at some point I will get back into coaching, but right now I need to focus completely on my kids.

- Patrick Ewing

Will, Some, Sure, Coaching

I never knew what basketball was. I started playing on the playground. People used to laugh at me and joke at me because I was so tall and I didn't know the game and couldn't play it.

- Patrick Ewing

Game, Play, Knew, Tall

Everybody always thinks the grass is always greener.

- Patrick Ewing

Always, Greener, Everybody, Grass

If I want to average 32 points a game, I can do that easily. It's just eight, eight, eight, eight. No problem. I can do that anytime. That's not being cocky. That's confidence.

- Patrick Ewing

Game, Cocky, Average, Anytime

Every parent wants to see their kids excel.

- Patrick Ewing

Parent, See, Wants, Excel

Winning a ring is everybody's goal, whether you're a player or a coach.

- Patrick Ewing

Winning, Goal, Everybody, Coach

I wish I had stayed and finished my career here in New York.

- Patrick Ewing

Wish, New, Here, Finished

New York is a passionate city. They want a winner. They deserve a winner. I think we did an outstanding job of bringing it back.

- Patrick Ewing

Think, Deserve, New, Bringing

This means a lot. I'm being recognized for all the blood, sweat and tears I put into a 17-year career.

- Patrick Ewing

Career, Tears, Means, Sweat

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