Brian Rowsom was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Columbia, NC near the Outer Banks. While he played several sports when he was young, Rowsom concentrated on Basketball once he started to grow into his 6’10” frame in high school. That’s when he was noticed by UNCW head coach Mel Gibson who offered him a chance to play for the Seahawks. From 1983-87 Rowsom not only played, but excelled at UNCW. Playing in the early days of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and battling with Navy big man David Robinson, Rowsom became a star for the Seahawks where he would eventually become the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He shares stories from his battles with Robinson, being named MVP of the Indiana Classic in 1986 and the night he scored 39 points against rival East Carolina in 1987. UNCW recognized his accomplishments and made him the first Seahawk to have his jersey retired. The Indiana Pacers drafted Rowsom in 1987 along with NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller. Playing for the late Dr. Jack Ramsey, Rowsom would learn from the veteran coach and take those lessons with him overseas and eventually back to the NBA where he was a member of the expansion Charlotte Hornets. Playing for the Hornets from 1988-90, Rowsom was teammates with some NBA and Hornet legends, and played in some of the most iconic uniforms in professional sports. Following his time in the NBA, Rowsom enjoyed a lengthy career overseas including a stint in a coastal area of Israel. Rowsom retired in 1999 and spent some time in broadcasting before making his way to coaching which has become his passion since 2004 and earned him back-to-back championships coaching in the Middle East. Rowsom shares stories from his journey and what he’s doing now. He also tells us what is was like being inducted into the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame and why he just might take credit for the Hall of Fame career of David Robinson.
