Faces + Places
E I W O B M SA
1979-1984
Few UK basketball players have been more beloved during their playing days and thereafter than Sam Bowie. Following an incredible high school career in Pennsylvania–where he was named a McDonald’s and PARADE All-American–“Big Sam” spent five years on the UK campus from 1979-1984, even though injuries limited him to only three seasons on the court. After a stellar freshman season, Bowie was picked to play in the United States Olympic team: the team was unable to compete due to the 1980 Olympics boycott. During his sophomore season, Bowie was named consensus 2nd team All-American after averaging over 17 points and 9 rebounds a game. Bowie then had to miss the next two years battling leg injuries. He came back for his senior season and led the Cats to the 1984 Final Four. Bowie was then famously picked with the #2 overall selection in the 1984 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, one pick ahead of Michael Jordan. Bowie battled more leg injuries during his 10year NBA career. Bowie has lived in Lexington since his retirement from basketball, where he raised his family. After a stint as the color analyst on the UK basketball radio network, Bowie says, “These days I’m retired and enjoying watching my children grow up to be wonderful adults.” Big Sam added, “Being a Kentucky Wildcat has been a tremendous honor, and I feel truly blessed to have been able to represent the BBN.”
The Legend: McDonald’s and PARADE All-American in high school Picked to the 1980 Olympic basketball team Consensus 2nd team All-American in 1981 2nd team All-American in 1984 2nd overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft NBA All-Rookie 1st team in 1985 Played 10 seasons in the NBA His #31 jersey is retired to the rafters at Rupp Arena
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March 2018 | TopsInLex.com