Brian Rowsom began his career at UNC Wilmington as a 6’6″ forward but after growing 3″ taller he was able to average a double-double as a SR (21.8 PPG/11.5 RPG). After graduating he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and ended up playing pro basketball for more than a decade in the NBA/overseas. Since retiring as a player in 1999 he has gotten into both coaching/broadcasting. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Brian about being a great scorer and making the NBA. Today is Brian’s 56th birthday so let us be the 1st to wish him a happy 1!
Since there was no rec center in your hometown you learned to shoot on a basket in your grandparents’ backyard: were you able to play against any opponents or did you just practice shooting by yourself? I played with/against other kids in my backyard. I was the only kid in the neighborhood who had his own basketball hoop so they all came and played there.
In 1987 as a player at UNC Wilmington you scored a school-record 39 PTS in a win over ECU: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? I had actually wanted ECU to recruit me out of high school so I really tried to play even better against them. That night I was definitely in the ”zone”.
You were named All-CAA during each of your final 3 years: how were you able to dominate throughout your college career? I worked hard in college because I had always dreamed of playing in the NBA and knew that the only way I could even have a chance to fulfill my dream was through hard work. That in turn helped me to become a good college player.
You graduated as your school’s all-time leading scorer/rebounder: did you realize at the time how prolific a player you were? I was aware of all the records I broke in college but still think that I could have done even better, especially from a team standpoint. We could never quite get past Navy at that time…as they had David Robinson! I was always thinking more in terms of the team.
In the summer of 1987 you were drafted in the 2nd round by Indiana (8 spots behind Steve Alford): did you see that as a validation of your college career, or the realization of a lifelong dream of reaching the NBA, or other? Getting drafted was the official event that made me realize just how far I had come as a player from a national standpoint: it was truly a dream come true!
You played 4 games for Indiana, then spent 2 years playing for the Charlotte Hornets: do you have a favorite memory from your NBA career? My first 2 points against Sacramento as a Pacer will always be special, plus the crowds in Charlotte were the biggest/loudest in the NBA at the time: it was phenomenal!
After retiring from the NBA you played professionally in Israel/Japan/England: what was the biggest difference between basketball in the US vs. basketball in other countries? Playing overseas really broadened my horizons. I learned about other people, cultures, and ways of doing things. The basketball competition is about the same but the talent level overseas is not as good as the NBA. Being overseas has been a real blessing for me: I love it.
In 2004 you coached your team to an undefeated league championship in the Ontario Pro Basketball Association, and in 2005 you were named ABA Coach of the Year with the Carolina Thunder: what is the key to being a successful coach? Coaching is often about “feeling” so I always think back to when I played and use that as a way to understand what to do when coaching. I can tell when my players need to be pushed more and when I need to let up on them in certain situations because I remember what my own coaches did in such instances. I have learned that good defense and team play will always equal success on the basketball court no matter where you play or coach.
You coached several pro basketball teams overseas: where do you hope to end up in the future? My ultimate goal is to coach in the NBA so I am using this as a way to build my coaching style and resume. If that opportunity presents itself then I will be ready!
When people look back on your career, how do you want to be remembered the most? I want them to remember that I got all that I received through hard work and dedication, and that if I can do it then they can do it too!