Hoyas’ Bowman to enter NBA Draft

Georgetown junior Brandon Bowman will enter the NBA Draft, the school announced yesterday.

A 6-foot-9 forward who led the Hoyas in scoring last season, Bowman has not retained an agent, leaving him the option of returning to the Hilltop should he be unhappy with his projected draft status. He has until June 21 to withdraw his name from the pool.

The Los Angeles native was the Hoyas’ most consistent contributor over the last two seasons and averaged 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds to help the Hoyas go 19-15 last season. A solid finisher with excellent athleticism for his size, Bowman was the master of the highlight-reel slam last season. His double-clutch, two-handed reverse against Connecticut’s Charlie Villanueva in the Big East tournament quarterfinals was one of the most dazzling plays of the season.

But Bowman has struggled at times with his outside shot, defense and decision-making at Georgetown, earning him more than a little time in the doghouses of coach John Thompson III and predecessor Craig Esherick.

Bowman’s decision to explore his professional options is no more startling than similar announcements by George Washington’s Mike Hall and Pops Mensah-Bonsu. However, none of the NBA scouts questioned by The Washington Times at Georgetown games this season envisioned Bowman as a first-rounder.