NBA legend Patrick Ewing, 57, is rushed to hospital with coronavirus and placed in isolation as he describes COVID-19 as something 'not to be taken lightly'

NBA Legend Patrick Ewing has been hospitalized after testing positive to COVID-19.  

The Basketball Hall of Famer and former New York Knicks center, 57, was admitted to a Washington, D.C. hospital Friday evening and is now in isolation. 

Ewing, who currently serves as head coach of Georgetown University's basketball team, released a statement through the elite school confirming his diagnosis. 

'I want to share that I have tested positive for COVID-19. This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly,' the statement read. 

'I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Now more than ever, I want to thank the healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. I'll be fine and we will all get through this.' 

+6

NBA Legend Patrick Ewing has been hospitalized after testing positive to COVID-19. The former New York Knicks center now serves as the head coach of Georgetown University's basketball team. He is pictured on the sidelines of a game last year

+6

Ewing played for the New York Knicks for 15 seasons between 1985 and 1988. He is pictured on court at Madison Square Garden in 1988

Ewing did not disclose when he tested positive to the virus, or where he believes he contracted it. 

ESPN reports that Ewing is the 'only member of the Georgetown men's basketball program to have tested positive for the virus'. 

The Jamaican-born star played for Georgetown himself while he was a college student, before he was drafted to the NBA in 1985. 

He played for the New York Knicks for 15 seasons, where he was an eleven-time all-star. Ewing then played one season with the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics, and one season with the Orlando Magic. 

The NBA superstar also won Olympic gold medals in 1988 and 1992 as a member of the US men's basketball team. 

Ewing shares three adult children, Patrick Jr., Randi and Corey, with ex- wife Rita Williams.  

+6

Ewing also won two gold medals as a member of the US men's basketball teams at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic games. He is pictured at the 1992 games in Barcelona, Spain

+6

Charles Oakley, who played with Ewing for the Knicks between 1988 and 1998, sent his well wishes on Twitter. The pair are pictured together in 1996

Following news of his hospitalization, Ewing was inundated with messages of support from fans and his former teammates. 

Charles Oakley, who played with Ewing for the Knicks between 1988 and 1998, wrote on Twitter: 'I went to war with you for ten years. I won't leave you on the battlefield now. Get well Patrick. More fights ahead.' 

As of Friday evening, more than 1.6 million Americans have tested positive to COVID-19, and more than 95,000 have died. 

The virus has sickened a number of current NBA stars - including Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert and Detroit Pistons forward Christian Wood. 

Four players from the Brooklyn Nets also tested positive to the coronavirus, although all have made a full recovery. 

The NBA was suspended back in March amid the COVID-19 outbreak. 

ESPN reported earlier this week that 'NBA teams are expecting the league will issue guidelines at the beginning of June that will allow franchises to start recalling players as a first step toward the season's resumption'. 

+6

Ewing did not disclose when he tested positive to the virus, or where he believes he contracted it