By JACOB POLACHECK
After a breakout performance at the Pangos All-American Camp earlier this month, class of 2023 forward Taylor Bol Bowen continues to see his stock soar.
The 6-foot-8, 195-pound small forward from Brewster Academy (NH) and the Expressions Elite AAU Program, earned his spot as one of four rising juniors selected to the Pangos Top-30 Cream of the Crop Game.
“I really enjoyed Pangos,” Bowen said. “It was a really good camp, for sure. I played well. It was just a blessing to show what I could do on the highest level.”
And when the June 15 date came around shortly thereafter, permitting college coaches to reach out to 2023 stars, Bowen was a popular name.
“Obviously, it’s a blessing to have college coaches reach out,” Bowen said. “Having coaches from all over the country reach out is definitely something that you can’t take for granted. It’s something I’m really thankful for.”
On June 15 alone, Bowen, the nation’s No. 6-ranked small forward per 247Sports, received offers from Maryland, Ohio, USC, Brown and Marquette.
“It’s just a process and I’m excited to be a part of what I’ve worked so hard for,” Bowen said. “I’m going to continue working hard for the goals I want to achieve through the game of basketball.”
He broke down each new offer:
Maryland: “I know they’re going to come out and watch me play. They play in the Big Ten and are always playing great competition every night, which is something I like about them for sure.”
Ohio: “I just like how coach [Jeff] Boals is rocking with me. I could really feel genuine love.”
USC: “Coach Jason Hart offered me. I’m thankful for that offer. USC, being on the west coast it’s far from home. As a kid, at any point in time, you always dream about what it would be like living on the west coast, so that appeals to me for sure.”
Brown: “Obviously being a high-academic school, they offer what some of the other schools can’t, being an Ivy League school. You’re getting the best of both worlds, in a way. Hearing from Ivy League schools is definitely a blessing.”
Marquette: “My old teammate Tyler Kolek is at Marquette right now. I like what coach [Shaka] Smart has done with the players he’s coached before. I haven’t seen that at Marquette with it being his first year, but I saw it at VCU and Texas. He’s had players that have gotten better, developed and gone to the NBA.”
Despite his new offers, Bowen says that Arkansas and UConn remain the schools in contact the most.
Arkansas: “Just playing in a pro-style and playing in a fast-paced offense. They’re also going to have a top-20 pick in Moses Moody.”
UConn: “UConn really feels like it’s a place where we can get to work, get better and win at the highest level. Coach [Dan] Hurley is going to hold everybody to a higher standard. He’s really focused on winning and getting better, and I really like that drive and passion that he brings to the court.”
As Bowen continues to navigate the process, he says he’s focusing on the mentality of the program and player development.
“I’m evaluating how committed they are to development and making sure I’ll be ready to play at the next level,” Bowen said. “Then, it’s just the mentality. I want to play for a coach that’s really a dog, that wants to bring it everyday, compete and is going to get the best out of me every day. I want to play for a coach that’s going to make me the best I can on the court and off the court as well.”
Yet, while many prospects are out taking campus visits, Bowen is locked in on his play, set to play with the Brewster in the NEPSAC Showcase from June 25-27 at Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut.
“I’m just locked in on getting better,” Bowen said. “You have some guys that are visiting a lot of schools, but I’m just focused on staying in the gym.”
Shortly after the NEPSAC Showcase, Bowen will make his first Peach Jam appearance with Expressions Elite next month in North Augusta, SC.
“When it comes to Taylor there’s a lot to be impressed with,” Expressions Elite coach Ken Jackson said. “The thing that sticks out the most is his ability to adapt. Whether the game is being played fast or physical, he’s able to adjust and perform. The kid has a god-gifted motor.”
With his stock on the rise and a busy summer ahead of him, Bowen is ready for the world to learn his name.
“I just want to be remembered as a competitor and someone that really achieved as many goals as they put their mind to,” he said. “Somebody that once he puts his mind to something, he completes the job, worked hard for it and did whatever it took to win and succeed in all aspects, not only on the court, but off the court.”
Photo: Justin Young/HoopSeen
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