By George Adamopoulos/ info@eurohoops.net
Staying a Greece for a second year in a row and expanding the list of competitions to 7DAYS EuroCup, Anthony Cowan Jr. has enjoyed a brilliant campaign so far.
The Maryland product talked to Eurohoops about idolizing Allen Iverson, the lasting relationship with former teammate Kevin Huerter, the NBA, and similarities between March Madness and EuroCup Playoffs.
However, it all started in football. Instead focusing on basketball at a young age was a decision made by his mother. “Waiting to watch my football game, she saw a player getting seriously injured and made it clear that I wasn’t doing that sport anymore,” he recalled.
Iverson, the Answer, has influenced many players of future generations, including Cowan. “He is my favorite athlete and I have a tattoo of his,” he explained to Eurohoops, “I loved him, not only because my path is similar to his, but because of his values in general. His approach on and off the court really changed the league.”
His own career landed him in Greece. Following the NBA is not easy with games played after midnight in local time, but staying in touch with former teammates starring in the league extends to Huerter.
“I recently talked to him, heard from him in this big season for the Kings and them returning to the Playoffs after so many years. I am very happy for him and support him,” he said about his fellow Terrapin, “Time zones don’t allow me to watch many NBA games live, but I always search for highlights.”
The Maryland effect
Both Cowan and Huerter played under experienced tactician Mark Turgeon in Maryland. Through college experience, relishing opportunities became a part of his mentality. “Learning as a leader in college, not only on the court, translates into my new path and this is a responsibility I don’t avoid but am eager to take,” he said.
After spending the 2020-21 season in the G League, he joined Aris to move his talents to Greece for the 2021-22 season.
“It was a big opportunity for me. For the first time, I adapted to a role I can have in Europe. To lead a team. That’s what I did after Olivier Hanlan left and displayed my potential,” he described the previous campaign, “Many players of my age going overseas don’t get the chance to lead a team immediately. My time at Aris was very important for my development.”
From Thessaloniki to Patras and Promitheas, he got the weekly MVP nod in Round 16 and Round 17 of the EuroCup Regular Season to establish himself among the main standouts of the season. He averaged 12.1 points, 4.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. The EuroCup eighthfinals are coming up with JL Bourg set to visit Patras Wednesday.
“It looks like NCAA’s March Madness. I wasn’t at my best in the college tournament, but I am facing this as a personal challenge,” he previewed the next stage of action at the continental level, “Homecourt advantage in the first round is very important.”