Former five-star recruit Brian Bowen saw his would-be college career become the center of a major FBI investigation into corruption within college basketball, and he has decided to forego school to play professionally overseas.
In a press release provided to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.com, Bowen announced that he has signed a contract to play with the Sydney Kings in Australia’s NBL. The former Louisville recruit also said he is the first player to sign with the NBL’s Next Stars program, which was launched in March as an avenue for players to pursue pro basketball careers if they do not want to play at the collegiate level.
“I am honored to be the first player under the NBL’s Next Stars program and feel it will be the perfect next step as I continue the path toward fulfilling my dream of playing in the NBA,” Bowen said. “In joining the Sydney Kings, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to start my professional career and look forward to learning from all the team’s veteran pros, like Andrew Bogut, Jerome Randle and Brad Newley. I can’t wait to get out to Sydney and join the team.”
As Givony notes, the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL signed signed former McDonald’s All-American Terrance Ferguson in 2016, and he was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft last year. Bowen is hoping the league will present him with the same opportunities.
Bowen had initially committed to Louisville last June, and it was alleged that a large sum of money was funneled to his family in exchange for that commitment. He has denied all knowledge of the scandal, which resulted in Rick Pitino being pushed out at Louisville.
Bowen was at one point seeking NCAA clearance to allow him to play for South Carolina next season, but he declared for the NBA Draft instead. He plans to re-enter the draft in 2019.
