Throughout his career, opposing fans have been giving Patrick Ewing Jr. a hard time. Occasionally you’ll hear one of them yell something like, “You’re a bum compared to your father!” To be honest, that seems more of a compliment. Pat Jr. knows he’s not as talented as his father. How could any of his children be as good as Patrick Ewing himself? It’s the same predicament that Michelangelo’s children had to live with. Even though Patrick Jr. isn’t the best player in the country like his dad, there is still a lot of Big Pat that shines through in his son.

On a personal note, Patrick Ewing Sr. is my all-time favorite athlete ever in any sport. I was 5 years old when he enrolled at Georgetown, and I have so many great memories from my childhood thanks to him and the Hoyas. In the summer when I was little, I used to wear tank tops to the pool or beach or wherever, and I always wore a short sleeve undershirt to be like Patrick. My second son’s middle name is Aloysius, in honor of Patrick’s middle name.

When Papa Patrick was at Georgetown, he was quiet and reserved. As he progressed to the NBA, he developed more confidence and became a much more vocal and energetic player. In college I always remember him looking very intense and serious all the time. After a few years in the pros he started to show a lot more emotion. That’s the time when Pat Jr. was in his formative years and that’s the most obvious way he’s like his father.

Basketball fans that are around Pat Jr.’s age remember Pat Sr. letting out primal yells after huge dunks. Pat Jr. does the same thing, and there is no time when Junior looks more like Senior than when he’s screaming after a monster slam.

Everybody who knew Pat Sr. as a player - coaches, teammates, players, trainers, everybody - talk about his work ethic and effort. That’s another aspect that has rubbed off on Patrick Jr. When Patrick is on the floor, he gives maximum effort. People say that he adds a spark when he comes in off the bench, but that doesn’t really explain his worth. It’s not just that he comes in, it’s the specifics of what he does while he’s out there that make the difference. Ewing’s level of effort, energy, and determination pushes his teammates and forces them to step it up to match him. That’s called making your teammates better, and there isn’t a greater compliment you can give to any player.

For long-time Hoya fans, it has been a very special two years, as the son of the greatest all-time player in the history of the school has made a name for himself. It’s not easy to live in the shadow of a great athlete, but over the past three seasons (including the one he had to sit out after transferring) Patrick Ewing Jr. has welcomed the challenge. He hasn’t shied away from the spotlight or tried to avoid talking about his father. Patrick Ewing Jr. belongs at Georgetown, and, even though it’s not to the extent of his father, he has left an indelible mark on the program through his hard work and leadership. On senior day this Saturday, when Patrick goes out to accept his silver bowl, Hoya Fans like myself will once again see that beaming Ewing smile at center court, just like 23 years ago. There is more to greatness than points, rebounds, and blocked shots, and you don’t have to look very hard to see Patrick Jr.’s greatness. The bar has been set very high for Reggie Williams Jr.