University of Tennessee Athletics
@Vol_Hoops Q&A: Jordan Bowden
September 04, 2016 | Men's Basketball
More Tennessee basketball players have come from right here in Knoxville than from any other city in the nation. It hadn’t been since the 1980s, however, that a Knoxville player signed a scholarship with the Vols as a freshman. That streak came to an end this spring as Carter High School product Jordan Bowden made the decision to enroll on Rocky Top.
Bowden spent a year in prep school at 22 Feet Academy in Greenville, South Carolina, and recently returned home to follow in the footsteps of local players like Bert Bertelkamp, Jimmy England, Bill Justus and Ron Widby, who all factored heavily into Tennessee’s hardwood success in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
A 6-3 guard who will wear No. 23, let’s welcome Jordan Bowden to Rocky Top:
You spent a year away from Knoxville in prep school, but what is the feeling coming home to play your college basketball at Tennessee?
"It feels really good coming back home. I have a lot of friends and family here pulling for me. It’s big to be from here and being the first Knoxville player to sign since Doug Roth in 1985 is really special.”
This is a team that has some impressive jumping ability, as showcased by several viral videos on social media. Have you sparked a dunking rivalry with fellow freshman Jordan Bone?
“Bone is really explosive, so I have to compete with him every time we’re in the gym for practice. In high school, I had one big windmill dunk that I was famous for, and it kind of took off after that. ”
You got to know Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes during the recruiting process. What’s it like to be on the court with him now?
“He’s always available to us as we work on the details, tweaking stuff in our game. He’s a big part of us getting better.”
Was there a particular moment that you knew Tennessee was the place you wanted to be?
“Growing up, I always wanted to play for Tennessee. Once I got the opportunity, I knew this was where I wanted to be. After a game last year, (associate head coach) Rob Lanier told me they wanted to offer me a scholarship, and coach Barnes called me on the way home and I wanted to cry. I was ready right away.”
What was it like the first time you saw your nameplate on your Tennessee locker?
“It was a dream come true to see my name in Tennessee orange. It was a big moment.”
Tennessee is heading to Hawai’i for the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, how excited are you for that trip?
“I’ve got to tell you… I’m scared of planes. That plane ride is going to scare me, so I’ve got to get something to make me go to sleep. It’s going to be a good tournament with a lot of great teams. We’ll be ready.”
Who is your mentor in basketball?
“My mom and dad. Both of them played in high school, and they always motivated me and came to my games and supported me all along.”
