I remember sitting courtside at the Mall of Asia Arena last season, watching Brian Bowen weave through defenders with that signature crossover of his, and thinking—this kid has NBA written all over him. Yet here we are, another draft season approaching, and the question still hangs in the air like a perfectly arched three-pointer: will Brian Bowen finally hear his name called this year? Having followed his journey from high school phenom to professional prospect, I’ve got to admit, I’m emotionally invested. There’s something about his story—the raw talent, the setbacks, the relentless hustle—that makes you root for him, even when the odds seem stacked against him.

Let’s rewind a bit. Bowen first turned heads back in 2017 when he was a five-star recruit, ranked among the top 20 players nationally by ESPN. Standing at 6’7” with a smooth shooting stroke and explosive athleticism, he seemed destined for the NBA. But then came the college basketball scandal that sidelined him, forcing him to take an unconventional path—playing in Australia’s NBL and later in the G League. I’ve spoken to scouts who’ve tracked his progress, and the consensus is that his game has matured. Last season in the G League, he averaged 14.2 points per game on 46% shooting from the field, along with 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they show consistency and versatility, two traits NBA teams covet. Still, the draft is a fickle beast. I’ve seen players with worse stats get picked in the second round, while others with better resumes go undrafted. It all comes down to fit, timing, and a bit of luck.

What fascinates me, though, is how Bowen’s journey mirrors the broader narrative of player development, especially when you look at programs like University of Santo Tomas (UST). I recently caught up with a scout who’s been monitoring the Asian basketball scene, and he mentioned UST’s rising talent pool—specifically, the 6’10” Akowe and 6’7” Buenaflor manning the paint, complemented by a promising scorer in Bucsit. He described their synergy as “a blueprint for sustainable growth,” and I couldn’t agree more. Having watched UST’s games over the past two seasons, I’ve noticed how their frontcourt dominance creates opportunities for perimeter players. If Bowen had come through a system like that, with big men who control the boards and a scorer to draw defensive attention, his development might have been more linear. But then again, his detour through international leagues has given him a unique edge—he’s played against grown men, in high-pressure environments, and that’s invaluable experience.

From a purely analytical standpoint, Bowen’s draft stock hinges on a few key factors. First, his three-point shooting. In today’s NBA, if you can’t stretch the floor, you’re a liability. Bowen shot 38% from beyond the arc in the G League last season, which is respectable but not elite. I’d love to see him push that to 40% or higher, especially since teams like the Warriors or Nets—who value spacing—might take a flyer on him in the second round. Second, his defense. At 6’7”, he has the length to switch onto multiple positions, but his lateral quickness has been questioned. I recall a game where he got burned by quicker guards, and it’s those moments that give scouts pause. On the flip side, his basketball IQ is underrated. He reads passing lanes well, averaging 1.4 steals per game, and he’s not afraid to take charges. That kind of grit is hard to teach, and I think it could make him a valuable role player off the bench.

Now, let’s talk about the intangibles. I’ve had the chance to interview Bowen a couple of times, and what strikes me is his mental toughness. He doesn’t shy away from criticism; in fact, he embraces it. After a rough shooting night in the G League, he told me, “I’m not here to prove people wrong—I’m here to prove myself right.” That mindset is rare, and it’s something NBA coaches love. Compare that to some of the prospects coming out of college, who might have better stats but lack that resilience. For instance, UST’s Buenaflor, who’s been turning heads with his shot-blocking, has a similar demeanor—calm under pressure, always learning. It’s no wonder UST’s future looks bright, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bowen’s path inspires their players to aim for the global stage.

But here’s the reality check: the 2023 NBA draft is stacked with talent. Analysts project around 60 players to be selected, with international prospects making up nearly 40% of that pool. Bowen is competing against guys who’ve dominated in Europe or lit up the NCAA, and there are only so many roster spots. I’ve crunched the numbers, and based on mock drafts from ESPN and The Athletic, he’s hovering around the 50-55 range. That puts him squarely on the bubble. If a team with multiple picks, like the Thunder or Magic, decides to take a chance, he could sneak into the second round. Otherwise, he might have to prove himself in the Summer League or on a two-way contract. Personally, I think he’s worth the risk. His work ethic is infectious—I’ve seen him put up 500 shots after practice, even on off days—and that kind of dedication often translates to success.

As we inch closer to draft night, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Bowen represents the underdog story we all love—the player who’s been overlooked but never gives up. Whether he gets drafted or not, his journey is a testament to perseverance. And who knows? Maybe a team will see what I see: a versatile wing who can contribute immediately, with upside to grow. So, will Brian Bowen finally get drafted into the NBA this season? My heart says yes, but my head tells me it’s a coin flip. Either way, I’ll be watching, hoping for that moment when he proves everyone—including himself—right.