Brian Bowen withdraws from NBA Draft
By ADAM ZAGORIA Brian Bowen has officially withdrawn
By ADAM ZAGORIA
Brian Bowen’s college career is over before it ever began.
Now his career path is filled with uncertainty.
After learning that he would have to sit out a minimum of another college season per an NCAA decision, Bowen on Wednesday announced he will remain in the NBA Draft even though he’s not projected to be drafted.
“I am completely devastated by the NCAA’s ruling,” Bowen said. “All I ever wanted to do was continue my education and play college basketball, however, after learning of the ruling, and discussing it with my family and attorney, I’ve decided to pursue my professional career. I’m grateful to the University of South Carolina and Frank Martin or believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a Gamecock.”
“I appreciate the hard work of our staff who worked on behalf of Brian on his eligibility status,” South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner said. “Brian is a hard-working, bright and determined young man who saw himself as a teammate, even though he couldn’t play on game day. We look forward to supporting him in the next steps of his career.”
By ADAM ZAGORIA
Brian Bowen is in “uncharted waters” at this stage of his basketball career.
That is how one college basketball source described his situation to ZAGSBLOG.
The 6-foot-6 wing whose situation led to the firing of former Louisville coach Rick Pitino has stated to ESPN that his “goal is still to play college basketball,” but he’s participating in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago “to cover my bases.”
Bowen has worked out for the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets with the Knicks on deck this holiday weekend. He has until May 30 to withdraw from the draft and return to college.
“It’s still an ongoing process,” Bowen told reporters in Chicago after a poor performance in the 5-on-5 scrimmage in front of NBA personnel. “I’m just focusing on my Combine stuff right now. And my lawyer and the school [South Carolina], it’s still a process so they’re going through that right now. So they’ll just let me know what happens.”
By ADAM ZAGORIA When the NBA Draft Combine
By SEAN BOCK South Carolina freshman Brian Bowen
Brian Bowen has found a new home. The
