NBA Draft 2019: 3 Prospects to keep an eye on at NBA Draft Combine
By Chris Kern
Brian Bowen II
Just a few years ago Brian Bowen II seemed to be on his way to stardom, but now he’s in a dogfight to just get into the NBA. He was a five-star recruit as the 19th ranked recruit in the 2017 class according to 247sports and was set to attend Louisville for a year before beginning his NBA career.
He has been wrapped up in the FBI investigation in a big way and it has completely changed the outlook of his career. His ability on the court isn’t in question, but he was never able to showcase it at the college level as he planned on doing.
His family allegedly received $100,000 from Adidas for him to go to a company school, Louisville, and after that was found out he had no chance of remaining eligible. He transferred to South Carolina where he hoped to play the 2018-19 season, but after he was ruled ineligible he decided to start his professional career.
Bowen decided to join the Sydney Kings where he actually played alongside Andrew Bogut who is now back with the Golden State Warriors trying to win a championship. It wasn’t the most competitive league, but he was still able to play the game and stay on NBA radars which is why he was invited to the Draft Combine and he has a chance to be drafted.
If he were to get drafted it would likely be later on in the second round, but he has a chance to be very good. If the Memphis Grizzlies can trade for a second round pick to select him that would be a great move. There’s a chance he could go undrafted and if he does expect a lot of teams to give him a call. If he can put together an impressive showing this week, it should make him a near lock to be selected on draft night.