Now that the travel ball season is winding down, there’s no better time to highlight players college coaches overlooked during the recent months. Although JD Bowden lost most of his summer due to injuries, folks must remember everything he brings to a team as a smart, dynamic floor general. His recruitment began to take off last April and carried into the start of the high school season. However, things have slowed since then. After collecting five offers (Western Carolina, Radford, NC A&T, High Point, and Florida International) and continuing to solidify himself as one of the top point guards in the state, it felt like Bowden’s recruitment was set to take off.
During his junior year, he was arguably the best player for United Faith. His nightly averages speak for themselves: 16.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.7 BPG with 50/3579 shooting splits. Furthermore, Bowden has consistently addressed any weaknesses within his game. After being labeled somewhat of a shaky three-point shooter, he went from 13% as a freshman to 35% as a sophomore. The following year (last season), he maintained that figure while nearly tripling his attempts from beyond the arc. Now, it’s difficult to find any real flaws within his identity. Bowden is smart, poised, and confident. He knows how to dictate the action with pace and unselfishness. His blend of strength, quickness, and security as a ball-handler allows him to effortlessly break down opponents and touch the paint at a high volume. Bowden has proven himself as an efficient scorer from all levels but still prioritizes making the right play and getting others involved. Add in his athleticism, nose for the ball, and defensive prowess at the point of attack, and his leadership can be seen in various forms.
Ultimately, a few untimely (non-major) injuries should not derail a player’s recruitment—especially when discussing someone with Bowden’s ability. He’s expected to be the clear focal point for the Falcons during his upcoming senior season, and his production should mirror that sentiment. All these concerns could be unnecessary in six months when Bowden should receive an uptick in his recruitment and return to collecting offers from Division I programs.