Earlier this year the NBL announced the Next Star program on the heels of the success of Terrence Ferguson coming to Australia to play with the 36ers before commencing his NBA career. After playing a full professional season with the Adelaide 36ers, Terrence Ferguson was picked up in the first round at #21 in the 2017 NBA draft by Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NBL then launched the Next Star program with hopes of replicating this success and creating an alternative pathway for young prospects to gain professional experience. This was amid the turmoil of the FBI’s investigation into College Basketball corruption. The FBI investigation centred around this very issue of being ‘paid to play’ whilst being classed as an Amateur in the NCAA College Basketball system. It was also the scandal which inspired the Netflix original movie Amateur celebrating this idea of going professional earlier.

To say the NBL’s timing was good is an under statement. A shift has begun in how players make it to the NBA and the NBL is poised to be at the front of this change. Enter Brian Bowen, the first NBL Next Star.

19 year old, Brian Bowen, measured at 6-foot-7 1/2 tall with a 6-foot-10 wingspan at the NBA combine. Bowen is a versatile small forward who had 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game as a senior in high school at La Lumiere. Bowen will bring added depth into the three spot behind Brad Newley, and throughout the guard rotations. Bowen’s intriguing size, frame and  shooting prowess will ensure a lot of eyeballs on the Sydney Kings and the NBL.

Terrence Ferguson, who was picked in the NBA draft by Oklahoma City Thunder after a professional season with the Adelaide 36ers

Bowen was one of the main figures identified in the FBI’s sweeping investigation into corruption in college basketball, as his family was accused of being paid $100,000 by Adidas to commit to Louisville.

In the wake of these allegations, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino was fired and Bowen was suspended from basketball activity by the school. He subsequently transferred to South Carolina, where he practiced for much of the season and later declared for and withdrew from the 2018 NBA draft after participating in the May combine in Chicago. he is now eligible for the 2019 NBA Draft. The NCAA ruled Bowen ineligible for the 2018 – 2019 season, and potentially beyond, which ultimately forced his hand in forfeiting his remaining college eligibility and pursuing professional options. He was at the centre of the scandal and who better to embody the new program?

“The Next Stars program will give guys like Brian the chance to refine their game in a world class league in the NBL and, just like Terrance, demonstrate that they’re ready for the NBA.” – Jeremy Loeliger – NBL chief executive.

Bowen was projected as pick 60 for the 2019 NBA draft, but will be hoping this move will increase his stock. As part of this program Bowen doesn’t count towards the salary cap for the Sydney Kings. He was also reportedly offered to all the teams in the NBL with Sydney Kings showing the most interest.

Does this mean they offered the most playing time? Also does this mean future NBL Next Stars will be ‘offered’ to all the teams? Other teams will be watching closely how this  goes. The potential to add depth to the teams without increasing the salary cap may become hard to resist. Also this could develop into a viable path to keep aspiring Australian’s playing here longer in future, without chasing college scholarships, whilst still getting the attention of the world’s biggest league.

“In joining the Sydney Kings, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to start my professional career and look forward to learning from all the team’s veteran pros, like Andrew Bogut, Jerome Randle and Brad Newley. I can’t wait to get out to Sydney and join the team.”  – Brian Bowen

It will be interesting to watch how the Kings integrate Bowen and how he fits into the rotations. For Bowen this a chance to increase his stock and develop in a professional league. For the Sydney Kings this is an opportunity to have increased depth and work with a potential future star. For the NBL it could be just the beginning.