Dr Dave Adkins and why he should be in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame
February 14, 2021
Ray Owes
- Nationality: USA
- Date of Birth: 11/12/72
- Place of Birth: San Bernardino, California (USA)
- Position: F/C
- Height (CM): 204
- Weight (KG): 102
- Junior Assoc:
- College: Arizona (1991–1995)
- NBL DEBUT: 13/04/96
- AGE AT DEBUT: 23
- LAST NBL GAME: 23/12/01
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 29
- NBL History: Geelong 1996 | Townsville 1998, 2002
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Ray Owes was born in San Bernardino, California (USA).
NBL EXPERIENCE
Ray Owes made his NBL debut with the Geelong Supercats at 23 years of age. He scored 22 points in his first game.
1996 would see coach Jim Calvin replaced by up-and-coming coach Ian Stacker, with the team overhauling its roster. Major moves included securing Rupert Sapwell (via South East Melbourne) and Matt Scalzi (via Adelaide) to fill the departures of David Graham and Justin Cass, and bringing in powerhouse import Ray Owes to replace Jeff Arnold. Owes was joined by returning guard Joey Wright, who was injured after just two games and replaced by high-scoring Orlando Williams.
Ray Owes stood out as one of the league’s most dominant frontcourt players, averaging (22.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) across 25 games and earning All-NBL First Team honours.
Owes opened the season with 22 points and 14 rebounds against Newcastle on April 13, then followed with 25 points and 15 boards against Wollongong a week later. He delivered his first 20-rebound game on May 10, posting 28 points and 22 rebounds against North Melbourne. On June 22, he had 26 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Giants, and added another dominant showing against Adelaide on June 28 with 20 points and 20 rebounds. He hit 30 points for the first time against Canberra on August 10 and scored 33 with 10 rebounds against Wollongong on July 27. His consistency was unmatched, adding 27 points and 15 rebounds in a home win over Townsville on August 3 and delivering a 22-rebound performance in his penultimate game on September 16 against the Magic.
His defining performance came on August 24 in a road game against Townsville, where he erupted for 40 points (15-of-24 FG, 10-of-17 FT), 22 rebounds (11 offensive), 4 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals in a narrow 119–116 loss. The next night, in what would be Geelong’s final NBL home win, Owes followed up with 33 points, 26 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 13-of-19 shooting and a perfect 7-of-7 from the line in a 131–93 demolition of the Gold Coast. Orlando Williams added 32 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds in the win, which marked the final NBL victory for both Geelong and the Rollers, who exited the league at season’s end.
In the final game of the season and the last in franchise history, the Supercats fell to Sydney 100–94 at the Entertainment Centre on September 28. Owes tallied 15 points and 6 rebounds in the farewell contest. Despite the loss, Rupert Sapwell led Geelong with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Simon Kerle recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Kings secured the win behind Shane Heal (25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) and Isaac Burton (25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals).
Throughout the campaign, Owes was a nightly double-double threat, with standout games including 33 points and 10 rebounds against Wollongong on July 27, and a 26-point, 17-rebound effort in a win over North Melbourne on June 22. He produced eight games with at least 17 rebounds, including a 20-rebound night against Adelaide and 18 versus Brisbane. His scoring range and physical dominance made him the league’s most impactful big man across the year.
Despite the influx of talent, the Supercats endured a difficult campaign, finishing 13th with a 6–20 record and ultimately handing back their NBL licence at season’s end due to financial strain and league restructuring.
Despite the Supercats’ struggles, Owes remained a consistent force, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and interior presence. Alongside Orlando Williams (23.5 points), Simon Kerle (17.0 points, 5.2 assists), and Rupert Sapwell (11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds), Owes formed the core of Geelong’s offensive identity. As the club exited the league, Ray Owes’ commanding 1996 campaign was a standout individual performance that provided a final spark for a proud but fading franchise.
TOWNSVILLE SUNS
1998
Townsville entered 1998 still chasing the first finals appearance in club history after Clarence Tyson’s late-season knee injury helped derail its 1997 run. Tyson remained unavailable and Shane Froling retired, leaving sixth-year head coach Mark Bragg to reshape the frontcourt around new import Ray Owes. Owes returned to Australia after spending the 1996/97 NBA season with the Golden State Warriors, appearing in 57 games, and joined rookie Travis Lindstrom alongside returning captain Derek Rucker, Simon Kerle, Jason Cameron, Tony De Ambrosis, Grant Kruger, Keiron Mitchelhill, Brad Davidson and David Pennisi.
Owes made an immediate impact in Townsville’s season opener at the Perth Entertainment Centre on January 30, producing Owes (19 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) as the Suns defeated Perth 89-87. Rucker (34 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) controlled the backcourt and Kerle (14 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) provided support, while Ricky Grace (21 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals) was Perth’s best. The encouraging start was followed by an uneven stretch that left Townsville 2-6 by early March.
Owes (19.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 30 games) appeared in every Townsville game and quickly established himself as one of the NBL’s premier frontcourt players, eventually leading the league in rebounding and finishing third in blocked shots.
On March 20, Owes (16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) provided the interior support while Rucker produced one of the season’s defining individual performances in a 116-98 home win over Brisbane. Rucker (51 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 3 steals) made 19-of-26 field goals and 11 three-pointers, while Kerle (26 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) supplied another major scoring option. Leroy Loggins (39 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Brisbane.
Townsville beat Brisbane again on April 25, escaping with a 103-102 road victory as Owes (20 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) produced one of his most complete games of the season. Rucker (23 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and Kerle (20 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) also delivered, while Steve Woodberry (28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) was Brisbane’s best.
Owes recorded his highest-scoring game on May 1 against Adelaide, finishing with Owes (38 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) while making 15-of-29 field goals. Kerle (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Rucker (14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) provided support, but Kevin Brooks (25 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the 36ers to a 117-105 victory.
A week later Townsville produced one of its biggest road wins of the year, beating defending champion Melbourne 114-96 at Melbourne Park. Owes (13 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 assists) controlled the glass, while Rucker (44 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the scoring and Kerle (21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) contributed across the floor. Lanard Copeland (23 points) was Melbourne’s leading scorer.
Owes’ best all-round performance came against Wollongong on May 11, when Owes (37 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made 8-of-16 field goals and went 19-of-23 from the free-throw line. Rucker (22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Kerle (19 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) provided the other major contributions, but Elliot Hatcher (36 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) carried the Hawks to a 113-98 win.
Townsville remained in the playoff conversation and produced another marquee victory on May 22, defeating Sydney 113-108 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Owes (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) provided the inside presence, while Kerle (35 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) delivered his season-high scoring game and Rucker (29 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals) recorded a triple-double. Matthew Nielsen (22 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) was Sydney’s best.
Rucker (27.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2.7 steals across 29 games) led the NBL in assists and finished second in scoring, while Kerle (18.4 points, 3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals across 28 games) gave Townsville a third major offensive option. Cameron (7.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 30 games), Kruger (7.3 points and 4.7 rebounds across 30 games) and De Ambrosis (7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 30 games) filled out the main supporting group. Owes joined Rucker on the All-NBL First Team, giving him his second First Team selection after also earning the honour with Geelong in 1996.
The Suns’ ability to beat sides such as Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney kept them within reach of the postseason despite their streaky form, but three consecutive losses ended the campaign. Townsville’s final game came against Sydney on June 9, where Owes (10 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 assist) recorded another double-double, with Kerle (29 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Rucker (26 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals) leading the offence. Matthew Nielsen (38 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) powered the Kings to a 140-131 win, leaving Townsville ninth with a 12-18 record and outside the finals for a second consecutive season.
Ray Owes played three seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Geelong Supercats, Townsville Suns and Townsville Crocodiles. He averaged 18.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 63 NBL games.
CAREER RANKINGS:
– 20th in rebounds per game.
– 38th in blocks per game.
HIGHLIGHTS:
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-02 | 29 | Townsville | 13-17 (9) | 8 | 156 | 51 | 39 | 3 | 8 | 31 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 19 | 18 | 47 | 38% | 6 | 8 | 75% | 9 | 13 | 69% | 48% | 45% | 18 |
| 1998 | 25 | Townsville | 12-18 (9) | 30 | 1,122 | 572 | 379 | 52 | 104 | 275 | 11 | 52 | 98 | 119 | 212 | 447 | 47% | 5 | 19 | 26% | 143 | 188 | 76% | 53% | 48% | 38 |
| 1996 | 23 | Geelong | 6-20 (13) | 25 | 1,088 | 554 | 349 | 43 | 111 | 238 | 23 | 50 | 83 | 99 | 222 | 430 | 52% | 2 | 20 | 10% | 108 | 151 | 72% | 55% | 52% | 40 | Totals | 63 | 2366 | 1177 | 767 | 98 | 223 | 544 | 34 | 107 | 193 | 237 | 452 | 924 | 48.9% | 13 | 47 | 27.7% | 260 | 352 | 73.9% | 55% | 50% | 40 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-02 | 29 | Townsville | 13-17 (9) | 8 | 19.5 | 6.4 | 4.9 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 3.9 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 5.9 | 38% | 0.8 | 1.0 | 75% | 1.1 | 1.6 | 69% | 48% | 45% | 18 |
| 1998 | 25 | Townsville | 12-18 (9) | 30 | 37.4 | 19.1 | 12.6 | 1.7 | 3.5 | 9.2 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 7.1 | 14.9 | 47% | 0.2 | 0.6 | 26% | 4.8 | 6.3 | 76% | 53% | 48% | 38 |
| 1996 | 23 | Geelong | 6-20 (13) | 25 | 43.5 | 22.2 | 14.0 | 1.7 | 4.4 | 9.5 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 8.9 | 17.2 | 52% | 0.1 | 0.8 | 10% | 4.3 | 6.0 | 72% | 55% | 52% | 40 | Total | 63 | 37.6 | 18.7 | 12.2 | 1.6 | 3.5 | 8.6 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 7.2 | 14.7 | 48.9% | 0.2 | 0.7 | 27.7% | 4.1 | 5.6 | 73.9% | 55% | 50% | 40 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 40 | 26 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 0 |
|---|
NBA EXPERIENCE
Owes played 57 games in the NBA. He averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- September 30, 1996: Signed as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors.
- July 1, 1997: Became a free agent after his contract with the Golden State Warriors ended.
- January 21, 1999: Signed a contract with the Sacramento Kings.
- - February 2, 1999: Placed on the injured list by the Sacramento Kings.
- March 10, 1999: Waived by the Sacramento Kings.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 91% | 69% | 60% | 98% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 40 | 5 | 3 | 7 | ||||||
| Total | 452 | 924 | 48.9% | 13 | 47 | 27.7% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-97 | 24 | Golden State | PF | 57 | 1 | 592 | 177 | 163 | 15 | 64 | 99 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 86 | 75 | 180 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 46 | 44% | 42% | Total | 57 | 1 | 592 | 177 | 163 | 15 | 64 | 99 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 86 | 75 | 180 | 42% | 1 | 5 | 20% | 26 | 46 | 57% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-97 | 24 | Golden State | PF | 57 | 1 | 10.4 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 3.2 | 42% | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 44% | 42% | Total | 57 | 1 | 10.4 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 3.2 | 42% | 0.0 | 0.1 | 20% | 0.5 | 0.8 | 57% |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Italy - Siena (1998)
Ray Owes joined Siena for the 1998 Italian League season, playing in 10 games while averaging 9.2 points and 5.6 rebounds.
COLLEGE
Ray Owes played for the University of Arizona from 1991–92 through 1994–95 under head coach Lute Olson, and during his time in college he was used as a small forward while developing from a limited-minute freshman into a primary frontcourt scorer and rebounder by his senior year.
As a freshman in 1991–92, Owes averaged 2.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game for an Arizona team that finished 24–7 overall and was upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament by East Tennessee State, 87–80.
In his sophomore season in 1992–93, Owes jumped to 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, helping Arizona win the Pac-10 regular-season title during a year the Wildcats reeled off a 19-game winning streak before falling in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Santa Clara, 64–61, in a widely noted upset that featured Steve Nash on the Broncos roster.
Owes became a major piece of Arizona’s front line as a junior in 1993–94, nearly averaging a double-double at 12.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while helping the Wildcats win the Pac-10 regular-season championship and reach the Final Four, advancing with a 92–72 win over Missouri before losing 91–82 to Arkansas.
As a senior in 1994–95, Owes was shifted to small forward in Arizona’s lineup and led the Wildcats at 15.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, including a 21-point performance in a 92–76 win over La Salle on December 12, 1994.
That 1994–95 Arizona team finished 14–4 in Pac-10 play and entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 5 seed, but was upset in the opening round by No. 12 Miami (OH), 71–62, closing Owes’ college career on a tournament surprise similar to the program’s early exits in 1992 and 1993.
Despite his size for the position, Owes played small forward at Arizona from 1991–95 and was named first-team All-Pac-10 in 1995, capping his senior season as one of the conference’s top wings.
AWARDS
- 2x All-NBL First Team
- 1x NBL Leading Rebounder
Related
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