Brian Bowen, a Louisville recruit who transferred to South Carolina but never played a game for either school, has decided to remain in the NBA draft, reports GamecocksOnline.
The NCAA probably influenced Bowen’s decision by informing South Carolina officials that Bowen would be ineligible for at least another season because of benefits allegedly provided to his family by Louisville and the requirement to sit out a transfer year.
“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 for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a Gamecock.”
Bowen remains a long shot to be drafted, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, who places him at No. 87 on his list of the top 100 prospects. He was a McDonald’s All-American last year as a high school senior and was considered a five-star recruit.
Bowen has been active through the pre-draft process, with workouts reported for the Hawks, Jazz, Spurs, Celtics, Nets, Bulls, Lakers and Knicks. He also held draft combine interviews with the Pistons, Trail Blazers, Kings, Raptors and Timberwolves.
All I wanted to do was continue my education and play college basketball? BULL. If that is what he wanted he would have stayed in school and played college basketball in 2019-20 and 2020-21 and gotten a degree. I don’t begrudge him for going pro, but at least don’t try this snow job.
I said it a while ago and I’ll say it again: he’s the next Josh Selby. Someone will take a shot on him though, and it’s hard to blame them in the event it works out.
Well I only blame the NCAA for that fiasco, they are useless, how can expect a young guy to stay 2 years without playing ball, staying in college it would only be for his education, his basketball career would be finished, & I am not sure if he would be entitled to an education if he is not an athlete any more. The thickheads running the NCAA have forced him to go pro without been ready, so probably have finished his education & career with one stroke… when you think they cannot do more damage than what they have already done… sooo useless