Washington (AFP)

Former New York Knicks glory Patrick Ewing, 57, announced on Twitter on Friday that he had tested positive for Covid-19, and was hospitalized.

"This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly," said Ewing, current coach of the Georgetown University team. "I want to encourage everyone to be careful."

"Now more than ever, I want to thank the caregivers and all those on the front line. It will be fine and we will all get by," he added.

The Georgetown University sports department said Patrick Ewing was "taken care of and placed in solitary confinement in a local hospital," in a statement.

"He is the only member of the men's basketball program to test positive for the virus," the statement said.

"Get over it quickly, buddy. Stay strong," the Knicks tweeted.

The former NBA star, who has played 17 seasons, mostly in the Knicks' jersey, and has been selected 11 times for the All-Star Game, won two Olympic gold medals in 1984, then in 1992 in from the legendary Dream Team.

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