Q&A with Ryan Bowen
Issue date: 7/1/08 Section: Sports
Today, former Hawk Ryan Bowen is officially a free agent and is hopeful about re-signing with the New Orleans Hornets. Recently, he gave some insight to what life is like in the NBA as he took time to speak with the DI.
Iowa's all-time steals leader and an eight-year NBA veteran, Bowen is one of the most beloved Hawkeyes ever to grace the hardwood at Carver-Hawkeye. Bowen played at Iowa from 1994 to 1998 and averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.55 steals in his senior season. He has played with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans in the NBA, in addition to various professional teams across the globe.
*DI*: What was your reaction after learning the Nuggets drafted you in the second round in 1998?
Bowen: It was an incredible feeling. I still remember the night. I was at my apartment at 2408 Shady Glen Court. I was drafted during commercial break. You always watch the draft, thinking about yourself and hearing the guy read your name. But for me, it was during a commercial, but it was still exciting.
*DI*: Who is the toughest player you have had to guard in your eight seasons in the NBA?
Bowen: It really varies kind of from year to year. My first few years, I thought Ray Allen was very difficult to defend. He can create space. You always had to stay with him.
*DI*: What kind of car do you drive these days?
Bowen: I have an Infiniti SUV. It works great for the kids. I have three kids now, so it works out well.
*DI*: After spending last season with the New Orleans Hornets, can you tell us how good Chris Paul really is?
Bowen: He's phenomenal. I can't get over how well he runs the show, how he sees everything. He knows what everybody is doing on both ends of the court. He's a great guy to be around and a great teammate.
*DI*: How often do you visit Iowa City these days?
Bowen: We get back maybe two to three times a month. We pop in there, eat at some places; it's only about an hour and 10 minute drive for us.
Iowa's all-time steals leader and an eight-year NBA veteran, Bowen is one of the most beloved Hawkeyes ever to grace the hardwood at Carver-Hawkeye. Bowen played at Iowa from 1994 to 1998 and averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.55 steals in his senior season. He has played with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans in the NBA, in addition to various professional teams across the globe.
*DI*: What was your reaction after learning the Nuggets drafted you in the second round in 1998?
Bowen: It was an incredible feeling. I still remember the night. I was at my apartment at 2408 Shady Glen Court. I was drafted during commercial break. You always watch the draft, thinking about yourself and hearing the guy read your name. But for me, it was during a commercial, but it was still exciting.
*DI*: Who is the toughest player you have had to guard in your eight seasons in the NBA?
Bowen: It really varies kind of from year to year. My first few years, I thought Ray Allen was very difficult to defend. He can create space. You always had to stay with him.
*DI*: What kind of car do you drive these days?
Bowen: I have an Infiniti SUV. It works great for the kids. I have three kids now, so it works out well.
*DI*: After spending last season with the New Orleans Hornets, can you tell us how good Chris Paul really is?
Bowen: He's phenomenal. I can't get over how well he runs the show, how he sees everything. He knows what everybody is doing on both ends of the court. He's a great guy to be around and a great teammate.
*DI*: How often do you visit Iowa City these days?
Bowen: We get back maybe two to three times a month. We pop in there, eat at some places; it's only about an hour and 10 minute drive for us.
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