By Pete Dillon '12
Students filled the Maloney Great Room to listen to NBA world champion and current ESPN NBA Analyst Bruce Bowen discuss a wide range of topics, including his professional career as a basketball player, network television, his trademark bowties, the importance of education and even "Lin-sanity."
After graduating from Cal State Fullerton, Bowen played in France and in the CBA before finally making it to the National Basketball Association, where he played for 13 seasons. Bowen is widely remembered for his devensive tenacity as a member of theSan Antonio Spurs. He won three NBA championships with the Spurs and earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors five times.
“When I came into the league I bounced around but then, through hard work, I found a home in San Antonio,” said Bowen.
Bowen was very adamant about the importance of hard work and dedication, not only on the basketball court, but in daily life. He applied it to looking for employment after college. Bowen said that students need to ask themselves how they can enhance their abilities to have more options in the job market. He said not to get discouraged by rejection, which he felt early in his career.
“You have to be willing to come back and try again and again,” said Bowen.
Bowen spoke about the importance of a college education, something that many NBA players are missing. He believes that a degree is very important so that players have something to fall back on. He also said many players who enter the league early are not mature enough to deal with the media and NBA lifestyle.
“Lin-Sanity has given us a chance to praise guys that went to college for four years,” said Bowen as he spoke about New York Knicks point guard and Harvard University graduate Jeremy Lin, who went from an unknown bench player to a productive starter earlier this season.
Afer his speech, Bowen answered questions from the audience and left a strong impression on the students in the room. “He placed an emphasis on the importance of getting an education," said Anthony Garcia '13. "He really leads by example.”
Bowen's appearance at Siena College was sponsored and organized by the Student Events Board.
