When Karim Rowson visited South Dakota, he met the team and the coaching staff. He toured the campus and saw the dorms.
The 6-foot-5 Harlem native out of JUCO Western Oklahoma State College knew at that moment that’s where he belonged – he didn’t need to see any other schools and verbally committed to coach Dave Boots’ Summit League program.
“They had a big facility, nice dorms, suits – it was like a place I always wanted to be,” he said.
After a standout senior year at Wadleigh, Rowson had Division I interest, but lacked the necessary grades. He’s spent two years at Western Oklahoma getting his academics in order. He shined this winter, averaging 18 points and five rebounds per game, and loads of Division I interest started to flow in.
Stephen F. Austin, Liberty, Alabama State, Montana State, New Orleans, Maryland-Eastern Shore and Morehead State were all involved. Rowson said he never seriously considered Stony Brook. He enjoys life in the Midwest.
“I didn’t want to come home, I like it out here,” he said. “It’s quiet. I’ve seen everything in New York. I have no problem being away.”
Western Oklahoma coach Rolando De La Barrera thinks it’s a good fit for Rowson. South Dakota lacks a breakdown perimeter player; most of its big men are even post-up players or spot-up shooters.
“He can be very successful for them,” the coach said. “They don’t have anybody in-house that is a one-on-one, break-you-down, get-to-the-basket, get-to-the-free-throw-line type of player. That’s how he’s gonna excel for them and I think he’s gonna be someone who will fit in well with them as far as proving somebody they might not have. That’s always important when you’re picking a school.”
Rowson said he expects to be given the opportunity to start right away for a program coming off a tough 10-18 campaign. He’s excited about the future.
“I worked hard to get to where I need to be,” Rowson said. “I had a lot of support. It feels good to move forward to Division I.”