Seven Questions With Former Tiger Basketball Standout Myree Bowden

Oct. 8, 2008

Stockton, Calif. -

Seven Questions with Myree Bowden

Myree Bowden graduated from Pacific in 2005, after two standout years for the Tiger men's basketball team. Since leaving Pacific, he has played with the Harlem Globetrotters and is currently playing with the Hombres in SlamBall. Although he probably doesn't need the trampolines used in SlamBall, he has been a breakout star in his rookie season, scoring 157 points to rank fourth in the league.

Q1. - Tell us about what you've been up to since graduating from Pacific.

A: Since I have graduated from Pacific, I allowed the lord to direct my life and pave my path in pursuit of my basketball career at the professional level. From the Harlem Globetrotters to SlamBall. In the off-season I developed a supporting cast, my wife and children. They keep me level I guess you can say.

Q2. Talk about SlamBall - You are noted as one of the top rookies in the league this year. How did you get involved? Where are the games played?

A: Wow, SlamBall is a different sport by far. With the combinations of basketball, football, hockey and a little bit of gymnastics. Here I'll say it for you - it's extreme!!! It all started with a phone call from my good pal Matthew Kemper. (You know, the 6'9 three point assassin from the back-to-back Tiger championship teams in 2004 and 2005) Matt suggested I tryout. He said it would be a good fit with my style of play and athletic ability. So I took a chance, I flew to Florida where the try-outs were held and never looked back. After try-outs the Slamball combines started. I really showed out and it secured me a ticket to Hollywood where the games were played. I was drafted with the second pick out of 500 rookies, I guess you can say they liked me.

Q3. After your senior year at Pacific you had a chance to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest at the Final Four. What was that experience like?

A: The NCAA dunk contest was one of the most exciting moments in my life. It was a dream come true. Not taking away from the NCAA tournaments first and second round appearances. But it was a chance to represent University of the Pacific and showcase my God-given abilities. The adrenaline rush I got when I heard the cheers of thousands after reaching the championship round was just phenomenal. Win or lose I enjoyed myself. I think Pacific athletics gained a little pub also (just a little).

Q4. Continuing along with other experiences after Pacific, your time with the Harlem Globetrotters must have been special. Where did you travel with them?

A: My time with the Harlem Globetrotters was very special. I realized that playing basketball was more than putting the ball through the hoop. I was blessed with the opportunity of speaking with the originals like Curly Boo, Tex Harrison, and Mannie Jackson. They shared with me how hard it was in the beginning for young black males to compete in the world athletics and get recognition. I became a part of history as one of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. From that moment on I gained much more respect for the game, not just playing it, but become an ambassador for it. Also I found out what being a Globetrotter meant. It was tough being in a different city each night for about nine months out of the year. I traveled the world in a short time; I have been to fourteen different countries: China, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Germany, London, Romania, France, Russia, Africa, Brazil, India, Australia and South Korea. Let's not forget I have also touched 48 out of the 50 states.

Q5. Thinking back on your Pacific career - what was the most memorable moment?

A: The most memorable moment was being in the huddle and looking into the eyes of my teammates and knowing we were a part of something special. Something bigger than one individual; a team, a family, a dynasty that would go down in the history book of Pacific Athletics.

Q6. If you were to talk to a current Tiger - what would you want to make sure they did before leaving Pacific?

A: I would tell the young athlete before every game when the seats are filled and the lights come on to take a second and look around, feel the excitement, listen to chants of all the fans. And realize that Tiger Basketball is not a game, it's a tradition.

Q7. What goals have you set for your future?

A: My goals in athletics are almost fulfilled with the exception of a SlamBall championship. I am now working on being a good husband, and a great father. Let me tell you, all the athletic training in the world never prepared me for this.