Terps Land Bowie

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Adrian Bowie, a 3rd team All-Met selection as a junior at Montrose Christian School, has verbally committed to the University of Maryland. Bowie plays his AAU ball for Triple Threat.

June 17, 2006 – Adrian Bowie, the athletic 6’2” rising senior perimeter player for Montrose Christian and Triple Threat (AAU), verbally committed to the University of Maryland yesterday. The Terrapins bested Florida, Michigan, Villanova, VaTech, Florida State, and Ball State for his services.

Bowie’s familiarity with Maryland is extensive, as he basically grew up around the program. His father, John Bowie is a long time employee of the university, and some of Adrian’s early hoop memories center around hoops in college park. “I was a ball boy for the team” he recounted during a late phone interview last night. “I remember being around the team when they went to Hawaii, and playing horse with Juan Dixon and Steve Blake” – both former Maryland standouts.

Further cementing his decision was the possibility of “getting good minutes” early in his career, as was Gary Williams, Maryland’s Hall of Fame coach-in-waiting personally recruiting him. Proximity to Adrian's Greenbelt, MD home was not a factor personally, but it does please his mother, Marsha, who will now be able to extend her ongoing practice of attending every feasible game in which he plays.

On the court for Montrose last season, Bowie estimated his per game averages to be “16 points, and like four assists, and around 2 steals”. Despite sharing the floor with seniors Kevin Durant – a McDonald’s All-American – and fellow Maryland commit Grevis Vasquez, Adrian stood out not only for his athleticism, but defensive prowess, ability to attack the rim, unselfishness, and willingness to step up in crunch time.

All of these attributes were on display during Montrose Christian’s 74-72 victory (click here for coverage) over then top ranked Oak Hill Academy. Adrian scored 20 points in the upset win, and during the second half changed the game with his repeated drives to the cup, while his at the buzzer stick-back ensured Montrose's victory.

Immediately after Montrose's season defining victory over Oak Hill, Bowie indicated the win was "one fo the biggest of my life". He is shown here amongst the bedlam his game winning stick-back produced.

This season as a senior at Montrose, Bowie plans to prepare for the upcoming rigors of playing in the ACC. “I’m going to work on my shooting again, ball handling, leadership skills, and stuff like that” he said. Continued strength training will also be performed.

In his typical, unselfish fashion, Adrian indicated a willingness “to play any position they want me to play” at Maryland, though a combo guard capable of taking opposing scorers out of the game will most likely be his role. One thing he is certain of is a desire to wear a certain number, answering “Oh, number one” when queried regarding what number he hoped to be assigned (that is his number at Montrose).

Bowie is seen here during the Charlie Weber Easter Hoop Fest, of which his team, Triple Threat AAU, won. Mr. John Bowie, Adrian's father, is observing developments in the background.

Mr. and Mrs. Bowie support their youngest son’s choice. “As parents, we are very proud of him and very proud of his choice” said John. “The University of Maryland and coach Williams are the best situations to further his education, and growth as a basketball player”.

He then went on to “thank Coach Vetter (Stu, Montrose’s head man) for getting him physically and mentally ready to play at a high level”. That appreciation also extended to the school’s academic preparation, which he deems stellar.

We at i95Ballerz.com would like to extend congratulations to Adrian Bowie and his family. The young guy has worked hard, and the effort has paid off. Maryland just received a great player, and person. ACC, here he comes.