People

By Guy D. Garcia

Already one of the most intimidating players in basketball, former Georgetown Center Patrick Ewing last week took a giant step toward becoming one of the richest. The Jamaican-born 7-footer ended months of negotiations with the New York Knicks, signing a contract with the National Basketball Association club that calls for a $1.7 million paycheck in 1985 and up to $30 million over the next ten years. The deal makes him the highest-paid rookie in nba history. Ewing, 23, who averaged 14.6 points and 9.6 rebounds for the Hoyas last season, appeared to remain above the media furor surrounding his professional future. "I feel great that it's over," he said after the final twelve-hour contract session at Madison Square Garden. "Now I can get down to doing what I do best, and that's playing ball." Basketball fans seem to agree. Since Ewing was acquired by the Knicks last May, the team has sold 9,500 season tickets, nearly twice the number bought by fans last year.