Bowser makes the most of role with UH
It was about 9 a.m. one day last offseason when Darius Bowser received a text message from University of Houston assistant coach K.C. Beard.
“I think I let it ring, woke up and called them back,” Bowser joked.
It was a phone call that would change Bowser’s life.
After four years at Charleston Southern, Bowser, a veteran center, joined the Cougars to add depth in the frontcourt.
UH coach Kelvin Sampson said he was “brutally honest” with Bowser about his role on the team. There would be tough, intense practices and likely few opportunities to get in games.
“A practice guy,” Sampson said this week as the top-ranked Cougars prepared for Thursday’s final home game of the season against Wichita State at Fertitta Center. “Somebody that understands you’re probably not going to get minutes, but this is the role you’re going to play.”
At the time UH contacted Bowser, Sampson sat down with his coaching staff to discuss what was needed to complete the roster for the 2022-23 season. At the top of the list: a big, strong body the Cougars could use in practice. Bowser fit the description at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds.
“What does our roster need through our lens?”
Sampson said. “He’s been exactly what we needed. We needed Darius on this team. He’s everything we asked for and more.”
Bowser did not hesitate when the Cougars offered him a chance to join a national title contender for his final season of college eligibility. In his one season at UH, Bowser has nearly fulfilled his requirements for a master’s degree in human resource development.
On the court, Bowser has played in only three games this season for the 27-2 Cougars, who have clinched the outright American Athletic Conference regular-season title and are a projected No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. He’s played a grand total of 11 minutes. His only stat: one rebound.
It’s all been a change from a four-year career that included 52 starts at Charleston Southern, a member of the Big South Conference.
“I was aware what my role would be, that it wouldn’t be the same as my past school,” Bowser said this week as he reflected on Senior Night that will also honor guard Marcus Sasser and forward Reggie Chaney.
Bowser’s value to the Cougars goes beyond the box score.
“His value to us was through the summer and fall, October, November and December, when the practices were more teaching and learning practices,” Sampson said. “Having a body that we could use in practice. His attitude has been tremendous. His effort has been tremendous. I’m thankful Darius decided to come here. He’s been a vital part of our development as a team in practice every day.”
Sampson said the Cougars vetted Bowser to see if he was the right fit for the program.
“His discipline off the court and everything came back A++,” Sampson said. “He’s a tremendous young man. He’s very serious about finishing his master’s degree here and may go on and get more degrees. He’s a very bright, bright kid.”
For his part, Bowser did his homework immediately after signing with the Cougars.
“I watched videos trying to get to know the program and it was about toughness and physicality,” Bowser said.
As the Cougars prepare for another NCAA appearance, Bowser said joining the program has exceeded his expectations.
“I’m glad I was fortunate to be a part of this team, be a part of this journey,” he said. “I think this is everybody’s dream to play for a team like this.”