Recruiting Report: Bowen Born (2020)
One of the best incoming freshman in Iowa, and a certain candidate for the forthcoming 2020 Watch List is Norwalk’s 5-foot-7 point guard Bowen Born. The son of former Iowa State shooting guard and current Charlotte Hornets scout Michael…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best incoming freshman in Iowa, and a certain candidate for the forthcoming 2020 Watch List is Norwalk’s 5-foot-7 point guard Bowen Born.
The son of former Iowa State shooting guard and current Charlotte Hornets scout Michael Born – who played with the Cylcones from 1987-1989 and later went on to become director of scouting for NBA’s Portland Trailblazers – Bowen says having a father so entrenched in high-level hoops has its perks.
“He gets to see a lot of NBA drills and combine drills and stuff, and he’ll work with me on that in the gym,” said Bowen. “And it really helps me to get exposure with those advanced drills.”
All those advanced drills have done wonders for the deceivingly athletic and supremely skilled incoming freshman. When he gets his shot off, you can bet it’s got a good chance to go in.
”I think I’m a really good shooter and I think I bring a lot of energy. Even if I’m not playing as well as I like to be playing, I think I can still make an impact on the game just with defense and stuff like that. I’m good at a attacking and driving and kicking, just sharing the ball,” said Bowen, who is also a very strong defender for his size – predicated on exceptional lateral movement and aided by his high motor.
“Defense is important to me. If you really lock in and try and guard your guy, then it’s what wins games. I take a lot of pride in guarding my guy and getting stops every now and then. In close games those would make the difference in the game.”
The lefty is looking to make a major impact with the Warriors’ varsity next season, and will continue to hone his skills — in particular his right hand — this summer with the Iowa Barnstormers.
“I’m working to continue to work on my ball-handling and just getting better with my right hand, because I’m a lefty. Just ball-handling in general with both hands, and also finishing with my right hand is what I’ll be working on,” said Bowen, who is eager to play varsity ball next season, regardless of what his exact role will be.
“I think I’d be good off the bench or starting, either way I’ll be happy playing varsity. And whichever role I’m in, I’m just going to bring energy. I’d like to be a great shooter too, but my shot won’t be dropping every game, but I can bring energy each time out.”