The Future Pt. 3: Cooper Bowser
Learn about the versatile big man, ready to take a leap in year two
Cooper Bowser: So. | 6’11” | 210 lbs.
Cooper Bowser is a 6’11" center who joined Furman from Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. Bowser averaged 8.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists during his post-graduate year in high school, helping Sunrise to a 33-4 record and a runner-up finish in the national prep championship. During his postgrad year, Bowser fielded offers from Howard, Jacksonville State, North Carolina A&T, and Omaha. The 6’11” center from Woodbridge, Virginia had interest from the University of Virginia and even made an unofficial visit. Despite initial recruiting interest, Bowser was still available late in his senior year, as Coach Richey recruited him in May 2023. As he entered D1 competition, Cooper was seen as a raw yet talented prospect with Power 5 level skills. His potential was noted by his former high school coach even before his freshman season.
“As far as basketball is concerned, Furman got an absolute steal. His upside is tremendous and he has the character to match it.” - Coach Angelo Hunt.
During his freshman season at Furman, Cooper got to work unlocking the potential in his lanky frame.
Cooper Bowser displayed the confidence instilled in him by Bob Richey from the beginning of the season. He defied recent trends of freshmen patiently waiting for a year, embracing the 'Work While You Wait' ethos of the Furman program. Instead, Bowser addressed a frontcourt need for the Paladins, scoring 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting in his collegiate debut. He followed this with a 10-point performance at Timmons in a blowout win over mid-major power Belmont. Throughout the season, Bowser consistently earned playing time, appearing in 32 games and starting in three. He led the team in blocked shots with 27 for the season, while averaging 3.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
“Bob Richey always manages to pick one out. Bowser is the next one.” - Terrence Oglesby (Field of 68) via X.
Next season, Bowser will hope to start the majority of games for the Paladins, either as a stretch 4 or a versatile center. He’s already shown his penchant for catching and finishing lobs, which should make the game easier on guards like Eddrin Bronson, PJay Smith, and Jalen Sullinger. Remember this And-1 against Western Carolina last season?
Coop’s development over the summer will give him the strength to fight harder in the paint against the bigger Southern Conference opponents, and provide a relief valve for the defense as a rim protector. Bowser’s pick and pop potential is certainly intriguing as well. He showed nice touch from beyond the arc in his high school career. As he gets more comfortable with the speed of the Division 1 game, Cooper’s smooth stroke should translate to a good three point percentage and a consistent midrange shot. Bowser should have high expectations from the fans and the coaching staff next year, but he truly has the ability and potential to live up to them.