Wisconsin freshman guard Lorne Bowman II has decided to leave the University of Wisconsin and the men’s basketball program. Bowman will finish the current academic semester at UW while home in Detroit, Michigan. Upon completion of this semester, Bowman will continue his education and collegiate basketball career closer to home.
“We completely understand and support Lorne’s decision to step away from the program and university,” head coach Greg Gard said. “We know this is what’s best for him currently and also for his future. He has been an inspiration and important part of our team over the last two years and will forever be a Big Ten champion and a Badger. Our entire staff and team think the world of Lo. We intend to stay close with the Bowmans and wish Lo all the best in his future.”
Bowman appeared in 22 games for UW this season. He was Wisconsin’s top bench scorer, averaging 3.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in the 10.4 minutes he averaged per game. However, Bowman missed the last eight games of the season with what UW classified as a “non-COVID illness.”
“First and foremost I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play the game of basketball at a high level,” Bowman said in a statement. “I want to thank coach Greg Gad, Dean Oliver, Joe Krabbenhoft and Sharif Chamblisss and the entire staff for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents. To my teammates, I will never forget you guys. To Badger Nation, I want to thank you for all the support and love you showed me and the team this season. The University of Wisconsin will always have a special place in my heart. May God bless you all!”
Bowman’s absence from the team was heavily felt during Wisconsin’s round of 32 game against Iowa State when an ankle injury sidelined guard Chucky Hepburn.
With Bowman’s departure, look for the Badgers to be very active in the transfer portal to fill the current lack of depth at point guard. Wisconsin now has four scholarship spots available.
For more…
Follow me on Twitter @Mara__Allen and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content! For the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here. Check out our merch store for some WSH merchandise!