Miles Bowman of Parkland won't be playing college basketball in his hometown after all.
Bowman, a versatile 6-foot-6 senior who had previously committed to Winston-Salem State, switched gears on Monday and signed with Delaware State, a Division I program that competes in the MEAC.
Coach Carlos Mumford of Parkland — a former basketball player at WSSU — said that Bowman had wanted a shot at playing in Division I and couldn't turn down the offer from Delaware State, which is coached by Greg Jackson, a former coach at N.C. Central.
"I am just happy for the kid," Mumford said.
"I am a Ram, but once you have a kid with his mind set on something, you want what's best for the kid.
"He is definitely happy and he is ready to go. I can only speak volumes about what (WSSU) did to get him. But most kids want to go Division I. He is qualified, his grades are good and he just needs to finish strong and steady and he will be eligible."
Bowman attended Parkland as a freshman, and then spent two years at Quality Education Academy before transferring back to Parkland for his senior year. He averaged 26 points and 14.5 rebounds last season and was selected to the Journal's All-Northwest team.
After playing mainly in the post as Parkland's tallest player, Bowman's role should expand in college, according to Keith Walker, an assistant coach at Delaware State.
"He's a very aggressive rebounder, especially on the offensive end, and he handles it well for a guy his size," Walker said. "I think he can go inside and outside and at 6-6, he can be a serious asset to our offense because we can get mismatches with him. I think he'll be OK once we get a little grits and gravy in him."
Bowman said he visited Delaware State April 15-16 and quickly connected with his future teammates. He also said he thinks he will play early.
"They don't have any swing men that can play multiple positions," Bowman said. "I can play the 1, 2, 3 and 4 and I think that will give me an advantage. They play some big schools and there will be a lot of competition. They will play Clemson and UCLA, and I know we will play on ESPN a couple of times."
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