Anthony Cowan, one of the most decorated players in Maryland basketball history, earned an opportunity at the next level on Monday. The Memphis Hustle — the affiliate of the Grizzlies — selected Cowan 16th overall in the 2020-21 NBA G League Draft.
Cowan played four years for the Terrapins, starting all 130 games of his career. He became one of two Big Ten players to finish their careers with 1,800 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists, alongside Penn State’s Talor Battle.
Cowan was a three-time All-Big Ten selection with a knack of providing big-time moments, such as a late three to tie the game against Illinois on Dec. 7, 2019. He then stole the ball and won the game at the free throw line with two seconds remaining. Against Wisconsin on Jan. 14, 2019, Cowan’s late trey lifted Maryland to a win, too.
And against Michigan State on Feb. 15, 2020, Cowan drained three 3-pointers as part of his 11-point outburst to seal the victory.
The Bowie, Maryland, native capped off his career with a regular-season Big Ten title, playing all 40 minutes of the season finale against Michigan and scoring 20 points. Cowan led the team in scoring for three straight seasons, including averaging 16.3 points as a senior.
Cowan didn’t have an opportunity to play in the postseason another time, though, as the coronavirus pandemic canceled the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. That also impacted his ability to showcase what he can offer to professional teams.
While he wasn’t selected in the NBA Draft and no NBA teams added him as an undrafted free agent, Cowan will have an opportunity with the Hustle in the G League.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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