A Legacy of Leadership
Fowler is the catalyst in the shift in CMU men's basketball culture
A year can make a world of difference at the individual level in college basketball.
This rings true for the Central Michigan University men’s basketball team and its junior point guard Chris Fowler, who has experienced personal success despite leading a struggling team.
Last year, the Chippewas finished fifth in the Mid-American Conference with a record of 10-21 (3-15 in MAC play) last season.
Through the losing, the Southfield native managed to rank in the top three in the conference in points (third with 17.4 per game), assists (tied for second with 5.3 per game), steals (third with 1.9 per game) and an assist/turnover ratio (second with 1.9 per game).
This year, Fowler says he is confident he has the tools around him to post similar numbers.
“There’s a bigger sense of urgency about this basketball team,” Fowler said. “We’ve been around for a while, we’ve got guys that know the clock is ticking.”
With two seasons left, Fowler will need to be at the center of the action on both sides of the ball if the Chippewas hope to win the majority of its games in 2014-15.
Fowler, meanwhile hopes he can pass on the leadership torch when his time as a Chippewa is over.
“I can feel the younger guys really trying to take on my personality,” he said. “The lasting legacy I can leave on this program is that every day we come in here, we’re going bring it on every play, every single game.”
Junior Rayshawn Simmons has already acted as a sponge soaking up Fowler’s practices and humble work ethic.
“The thing that I noticed first (about Fowler) is the leadership,” Simmons said. “He’s a great player. I noticed his game second. That speaks volumes about his personality.”
Head coach Keno Davis also recognizes the impact Fowler has had on his program and this year’s squad from his spot on the bench.
“It’s a different case when you talk about Chris (Fowler),” Davis said. “Going into his junior campaign, I think you’re going to see him do whatever is needed for the team to win.”
Fowler has already been and is likely to continue to be heavily involved in the intricate parts of the rebuilding of the CMU men’s basketball program.
“For all the people that play here, all of our players,” Davis said. “You’re going to look back to Chris Fowler and what he was able to start here in Mount Pleasant.”
