With the talent Georgetown had I can't believe they won only one ncaa title.
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Enjoyed this article very much. Thank you!
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I'm glad to see that Patrick is doing well at Georgetown.
I've always felt that Riley ruined Patrick as a player by building play around him. When Ewing first came to NY the coach was Rick Pitino, and the Knicks were a pleasure to watch. Pitino rotated 10 players through the game; Patrick played inside, rebounded, blocked shots, and it was always fun to see the opposition try to adjust to the other center, Eddie Lee Wilkins, who was awkward but effective.
Then Riley insisted on Patrick handling the ball on every play, and it just didn't work. Any other Knick on the floor could handle the ball better than Patrick.
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Nice article. Picture is of Charles Oakley and not Larry Johnson.
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Very nice story about the wars between two superstars who played like warriors. Those wars between the Knicks and Heat were epic. Part of todays game change is the lack of dominance in the middle from the centers. It seems too easy to score.
Everybody heaves up 3 pointers and defense seems in short supply, not just in the NBA, but in football as well.
Patrick and Mourning made driving to the basket a risk of losing a limb and having your shot blocked. But at the same time both were exquisite scorers.
Now everything is kicked out to the guards who heave up three pointers and swish.
I have lost interest in the NBA, partly due to the fact that the Knicks have sucked for forever. We need a new Pat Ewing/Mourning like rivalry to bring excitement to the game.
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thank you for a great article!
Lest we forget sports stars get involved in tawdry episodes. Kobe slunkered around in Colorado hotel compromising a chamber maid. That was many headlines ago. Since then the tarnish from this heavily reported episode- K. Bryant, in a post-sports career gig, is a newly minted, respected NBA analyst. Isaiah Thomas, one of the most talented guards ever, was accused of hyper stalking during his stint in a management job with the Knicks. And Ewing. This talented big man not only played for pay, he solicited payees from courtesans of the basketball court. He moved much better on the basketball court than off it. It's all in the record.
These guys are heroes on the court, nowhere else.
Alonzo is a different story: I really think he is an all-around hero. He deserves praise for managing huge health obstacles while becoming a legendary force on the basketball court. A great man.
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This is why basketball is so wonderful. I am glad Trey stuck it out at Georgetown.
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Thanks for the anciente historye reminder about the days when the Knicks were competitive and exciting to watch! Largely due to the presence, play and work ethic of Patrick.
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Georgetown's decision in the 1970s to hire John Thompson, Jr. and move in to the big time of college basketball was an experiment that worked. The school's endowment, prestige, and name recognition have exploded, partly thanks to Thompson, Ewing, and Mourning. Both Patrick and Alonzo are fine people in addition to being legends of the game. Great job by the Hoyas.
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Although I respect the Ewing and Mourning players and families for their admirable perseverance, the only thing I enjoy watching more than Duke losing is Georgetown losing.
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Re Ewing/Mourning, et al.: "There were giants in the earth in those days" (Gen. 6-4 KJV)
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