Central Michigan University Athletics
Bowne Ready To Make Contributions After Redshirting Last Season
11/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 19, 2001
"Starting Off Right" would be the perfect title for the first chapter of Tony Bowne's Central Michigan career even though he never saw any time in the CMU lineup.
Bowne redshirted his first year at CMU because of the abundant amount of guards the Chippewas had on their roster. Instead of taking the year off, he took full advantage of the year, learning CMU's system and gaining experience from the three senior guards above him, Tim Kisner, Luke Johnson and John Borovich.
"Sitting out last year helped me a ton because I came into this season knowing our system and what I need to do so we are successful," said the Hastings native. "What I learned last year has made it easier for me to step up this season. Just practicing with the team last season allowed me to get accustomed to college basketball and how to play at a higher level."
Being able to redshirt his first year not only helped Bowne on the court but also in the classroom and making the transition to college life.
"There is a huge difference between high school and college, and not having to always worry about basketball allowed me to really get acquainted to college life," said Bowne. "Not traveling with the team helped me out academically because I never had to miss class and that made it easier for me to stay up with my school work."
Versatile would be the perfect way to describe the type of player that Bowne is on the court. He has the quickness and ball control to play the point, shooting touch to play a two guard and the height and rebounding ability to play at the three.
"In high school, I played the two guard my first three seasons. My senior year, I was called upon the play the point, so I came into college with experience at both positions," said the 6-3, 210-pounder. "Being able to play any of those positions has helped me as a player because I know exactly what the other guys on the floor are doing. I believe that knowing where your teammates are on the court and what they are doing is a key to being successful in college basketball."
As for career aspirations, Bowne would like to enter the law profession. The reason he is drawn to this career is because he wants to enter a profession that is exciting and competitive, two words he uses to describe himself.
"I have always been a really competitive guy, someone who is always on the edge and that is what drew me to this career," said Bowne. "I am not the type of person who wants to sit behind a desk all my life. Law is a profession where you are always on the edge and that suits my personality perfectly."
