The Legendary Patrick Ewing! Quiz | NBA Players

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The legacy of Patrick Ewing started during his college days. While at Georgetown, he was known to be the most intimidating defender and was nicknamed the "Hoya Destroya". During his Georgetown era, the Hoyas went to three NCAA national championship games, winning one in 1984 against rival Hakeem Olajuwon. What school did they defeat for the championship that year?

Answer: Houston Cougars

In 1984, the 34-3 Hoyas and 32-5 Cougars faced each other for the first time but both were not new to the championship atmosphere. Two years earlier, Ewing and the Hoyas faced Michael Jordan and the mighty North Carolina Tar Heels for the national championship. Ewing suffered a heart-breaking loss as MJ hit the game-winning shot to lead the Tar Heels past the Hoyas 63-62.

A year later, Olajuwon and the Cougars faced the North Carolina State Wolfpack for the national championship. NC State shocked Olajuwon and the Cougars by beating them at the buzzer 64-62. Ewing would avenge for his loss by beating Olajuwon's Cougars 84-75 in the 1984 NCAA Championship Game.

2. Patrick Ewing also made a name for himself in the Olympics. His Olympic career included winning two gold medals and being a part of the famous "Dream Team". In which two years did Ewing "strike gold"?

Answer: 1984 & 1992

Ewing and the United States men's basketball team went 8-0 in the 1984 Summer Olympics defeating Spain 96-65 in the Gold Medal game. In those games, Ewing averaged 11.0 points per game and had 18 blocks overall. In 1992, Ewing and the United States "Dream Team" diminished the whole competition, finishing it off by defeating Croatia 117-85 in the Gold Medal Game.

In those games, Ewing averaged 9.5 points per game and compiled 15 blocks and 42 rebounds.

3. The expectations were high for Ewing in the NBA. The nation was anxiously awaiting for his unprecedented arrival. In the 1985 NBA Draft, Ewing was unsuprisingly selected with the first overall pick. Which team was wise enough to take him?

Answer: New York Knicks

The New York Knicks were the third worst team in the 1984-85 season, but luck was on their side as they ended up winning the NBA lottery and got the first pick. In his rookie season, Ewing averaged 20.0 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game, capturing the Rookie of the Year honor.

Other notable draftees in 1985 were Chris Mullin (7th overall), Karl Malone (13th overall), and Joe Dumars (18th overall).

4. Patrick Ewing's all-star performance earned him 11 trips to the All-Star game. Ewing certainly did not take the All-Star Game as just an exhibition game. Which of the following years did Ewing not average a double-double in the All-Star Game?

Answer: 1996

Patrick Ewing had a span of 10 straight seasons with an All-Star selection between 1988-1997. In the 1990 ASG, Ewing scored 12 points and had 10 boards. In 1991, he had 18 points with 10 boards. In 1993, Ewing racked up 15 ponts along with 10 boards. In addition, Ewing was selected to the 1986 and 1997 All-Star Games, but missed them due to injury. Ewing's career All-Star Game totals include 106 points, 60 rebounds, and 7 dishes(assists).

5. Patrick Ewing was known as a "warrior" to many. During his heyday, it was extremely rare for Ewing to miss a game. In which of the following seasons did Ewing miss more than one game?

Answer: 1998-99

Between 1987 and 1993, Ewing only missed four total games. In the 1998-99 shortened season, Ewing missed 12 regular season games. In addition, he missed the entire NBA Finals that year and had to watch his Knicks suffer a 4-1 games loss to the San Antonio Spurs. It was a bittersweet ending for Patrick Ewing.

6. Patrick Ewing was certainly no stranger to the postseason. Ewing once had a span of 13 straight seasons with a playoff appearance. How many total seasons did Ewing make the playoffs during his 17 career?

Answer: 14

Patrick Ewing made it to the postseason in every year between 1988-2000 with the New York Knicks. He also appeared once more in 2002 with the Orlando Magic. Eventually, the playoffs became "just another season" for Ewing. To him, it was championship or bust.

7. Now, we all know that Patrick Ewing had an abundance of playoff appearances, but in how many of those appearances did Ewing end up winning the NBA championship?

Answer: 0

Patrick Ewing's warrior-like play on the court was a sign of his determination and relentless to win the NBA championship. Sadly, Ewing was denied in each and every one of his opportunities. In 1994, Ewing had his best shot at the championship facing Hakeem Olajuwon's Houston Rockets. Ewing came up just one game short of it all, losing four games to three in a heartbreaking game seven loss to the Rockets. Ewing's title quest finally ended in the first round of the 2002 playoffs when Ewing's Orlando Magic were ousted by the Charlotte Hornets. Ewing called it quits in the offseason and his playing days were over. According to many, Patrick Ewing was the greatest athlete never to win a championship.

8. Patrick Ewing was among the greatest scorers of all-time. Although he never lead the league in scoring, he found himself in the top 10 in that catagory in eight seasons. How many total points did Patrick Ewing accumulate in his career?

Answer: 24,815

During his career, Patrick Ewing averaged 21.0 points per game. He retired 13th among leading scorers in NBA history. His 24,815 points proved that he had a knack for getting the ball to the rim.

9. Everyone knows Patrick Ewing was an immense, intimidating defensive presence for the opposition. But, oddly enough, he had more career assists than blocks.

Answer: False

Patrick Ewing was a pretty darn good passer as well as a shot blocker. He had 2,894 blocks compared to 2,215 assists. His passing skills helped him get his first career triple-double on April 19, 1996 against the Charlotte Hornets. In that game, he had 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. Ewing was the complete all-around player that every team desired.

10. On February 28, 2003, in front of a ruckus crowd at Madison Square Garden, Patrick Ewing's number was retired. What was the famous number that was hung up and was never to be worn again by another Knick again?

Answer: 33

February 28, 2003, was a day to remember for all New Yorkers and Patrick Ewing admirers. Just before halftime, the Garden was hollering and chanting, "P-a-a-at-t-tri-i-i-ck E-e-e-wi-i-ing!", crescending louder each time. Perhaps the great Michael Jordan summed up Ewing's career the best: "He has a heart of a champion.

When you thought about New York, you thought of Patrick Ewing. He came and gave life back into the city".

Source: Author vpham

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Nightmare before going online.
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The Legendary Patrick Ewing! Trivia Quiz

Glorify the past, the experience, the life, and career of legendary basketball star Patrick Ewing.

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