Hampton’s 3-point shooting, base-stealing Dru Owens is taking his athletic skills to Lees-McRae.
Thursday, in front of friends and family, Owens signed his name with the college where he will compete for the NCAA Division II school in basketball.
“Not getting to play basketball every day is a feeling that I wouldn’t want to have,” said Owens. “The chance to play it four more years of my life is fantastic.”
Owens said he was really impressed with the school during his visits and is excited to be a part of what the Bobcats and coach Steve Hardin, who lives in Hampton, are building.
“They have a lot of new stuff in their basketball facility,” Owens said. “They are putting a lot into their program. Last year, they won the conference tournament for the first time. They are building something great down there.”
During his time at Hampton, the senior Bulldog played a vital role on both the basketball team and baseball team. In hoops, Owens was named the Watauga Valley Conference season MVP as he kept defenses off balance with his outside shooting.
“He is one of the best long-range shooters that I have ever had,” said Hampton head coach Ned Smith. “Four or five foot behind the line, he is just as lethal there as if he had his toes on the line. When he is hot, he’s hot.”
Like in basketball, Owens had a thing he was extremely good at in baseball, and that was stealing bases. Owens had 38 stolen bases this past season, tying him for most stolen bases in a season in Northeast Tennessee. Owens said it is about knowing what you are good at and focusing in on those things.
“It starts at a young age,” said Owens. “You realize what gifts that God has given you. You find those points in your game and that is what you want to improve.”
While at Lees-McRae, Owens said he plans on studying education.