Following His Father

I could imagine Patrick Ewing Junior is pretty tired of this same old story. Everybody is talking about Patrick Ewing when he collects his thoughts about the 6-8 senior forward from Georgetown. Only problem is they aren't really talking about him. Young Pat is facing the same situation that so many sons of former professional athletes face. Carrying a (soon) Hall Of Fame name just makes it difficult to make a name for yourself.

Even though Patrick Ewing is doing the best he can to do just that. So I honestly apologize for even mentioning the former Knicks star, as today's Ewing success stories are all about the junior. Patrick Ewing is mainly seen as a hustle player, coming off the Hoyas bench as an energizer. Yet this term really undervalues the impact he can have on a game. Scouts aren't drooling over him because he isn't a flashy scorer and limited offensively. But how many guys are complete offensively in the NBA though?! Maybe 5%?! Anyways, the fact that Ewing has tremendous size for his position and that he is a ferocious defender if there's ever been one, that alone makes him an NBA prospect. Not his name.

You just have to ask his coach, John Thompson III who knows a bit about being the kid of a basketball legend. "I said it so many times, don't look at Patrick not being a starter. He is extremely valuable to our team." Thompson sees Ewing's biggest strength in his versatility and his defensive prowess. "He can guard guards and centers with his athletisism and his intelligence. Plus he has a little bit of his father's stubbornnesswhich allows him to stick his nose in there and really frustrate opponents."

Here we go ago, thank you JT3! But his assessment of the young Ewing is exactly right. He is not only an athletic freak as can be seen by his numerous highlight reel dunks or blocks, but he's also a very intelligent player on both ends of the court. On both ends?! Yes, because you have trouble to really play a key role for the Hoyas if you wouldn't be a smart basketball player. And Patrick is improving by the day. In his senior year he has not only become a terrific passer in Georgetown's version of the Princeton offense, no, he also is getting more and more comfortable with his outside shot.

His progress is undeniable but he still has to work a lot on his game. He comes from a background and a program though that values just that: Hard work, determination and effort. And he also knows how to put things into perspective. "Of course I know about my father and how good a player he was. But I am my own person and player. Coach Thompson always told me that."

His teammates appreciate the younger Ewing more than anybody else. "He's a great guy", says senior guard Jonathan Wallace. "Many people don't see how important he is for us but we definitely know it. He does so many small things." These small things include rebounding, tough defense, shot blocking and being a leader on and off the court. "During timeouts he always tells me what to do", says GU's center Roy Hibbert, who's also Ewing's roommate. "His energy is contagious for the entire team." Not only his energy but also his personality. A true class act, he is a perfect representative for Georgetown university. Anf for his family. Ahh damn... ok, so let's hear his father, Pat Ewing senior. "He is doing very well and I couldn't be more proud of him."

He can be proud of his son. Not because of his name but because of his play!