This is out of Brian Bowen II’s control now, but that doesn’t make it any easier for him.
The former five-star forward didn’t get to play his freshman year at Louisville due to his alleged role in a recruiting scandal — in which, according to a federal complaint, his family was to receive $100,000, allegedly arranged by Adidas executives, an agency employee and a financier, in return for his commitment to the Cardinals.
Bowen’s case was a key ignition point for the wide-ranging college hoops scandal that has since engulfed multiple schools, and helped trigger Rick Pitino’s firing as Louisville coach.
After the scandal broke, Bowen transferred to South Carolina and — without any indication as to whether he’ll be college-eligible for next season — also declared for the NBA draft.
Now, at the draft combine in Chicago, he’s playing his first competitive action in almost a year. And it’s showing.
As Yahoo! reported, “Bowen missed both his shots in his opening game, turned the ball over five times and looked like the most overwhelmed player on the floor.”
“He’s in no-man’s land,” one scout told Yahoo! “He may not be good enough to play in the G League right now.”
Not only that, but questions surrounding the FBI investigation are abundant.
“To this day, people still give me the side-eye a little bit,” Bowen said, according to USA Today. “It taught me really just to stay strong. I’m stronger than ever now. I have tremendous confidence in myself as a person, as a human being.”
Bowen reportedly has worked out for five teams, and has eight interviews to come. But with the May 30 deadline to make a decision as to whether to stay in the draft or go back to school, he’ll likely need to make the decision before the NCAA rules on his eligibility.
“This is my career on the line, honestly,” Bowen said.