THE VILLAGER Page 8 ~ January 27, 2012 www.theaustinvillager.com SPORTS Cory Joseph settles in VILLAGER SPOTLIGHT for the Spurs Spurs to retire Bruce Bowen jersey

By: Terry Davis

The will retire Bruce Bowen jersey on March By: Terry Davis 21, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bowen’s No. 12 jer- @terryd515 sey will join, James Silas’ The San Antonio No. 13, Geroge Gervin’s Spurs does not have the No. 44, Johnny Moore’s luxury of teaching rookie No. 00 , ’s No. 50. Sean Cory Joseph the Spurs Cory Joseph way, because of the re- Elliott’s No. 32 and Avery duced practice times due pro level, but the compe- from last night to tonight Johnson’s No. 6 in the to the lockout and the tition can catch up very was great and hopefully drafts in the AT & T Cen- condensed schedule of the quickly and has the abil- that is what we will con- ter. Bruce Bowen National Asso- ity to use angles and tinue to see from him.” Bowen Joined the ciation. Joseph spent two great leaping ability to Joseph said, “A lot of Spurs in 2001 and played teams with the Spurs. He jersey being raised at a weeks with the Toros counter Joseph’s speed. people look down to the nine seasons in San Anto- appeared in 122 playoff luncheon which will take working on his toughness The Toros run the D-league, but here the nio. Bowen started in ev- games, averaging 6.2 place Monday, March 19 and getting valuable min- same offense as the Spurs look at it as a good ery game he played in for points, 2.9 rebounds and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at utes that he did not have Spurs and are fully thing.” In the few games the Spurs and averaged 1.4 assists. the AT&T . Former the opportunity to get with owned by the Spurs. that Joseph played with 6.4 points, and 1.3 assists A leader on and off teammates and the entire the Spurs. Due to injuries Second year coach Brad the Toros the improve- per game. the court, Bowen earned 2011-12 Spurs team will to TJ Ford and Manu Jones thought that the ments were very notice- The 6-7 guard out of the NBA’s Community be on hand to recognize Ginobili, was recalled by progression from the first able. Joseph continued, Cal State Fullerton earned Award twice Bowen. the Spurs from the Austin game to the second game “The experience with the a spot on the NBA’s All- (March 2005 and Janu- Those in attendance Toros off the developmen- by Joseph was a 100 per- Toros helped me a lot with Defensive Team in eight of ary 2006) for his efforts will be able to enjoy a si- tal league of the NBA. cent improvement. The my confidence and confi- his nine seasons with the in the San Antonio com- lent auction, a chance to This time last year contributing reasons for dence will take you a long Spurs (was a second team munity. In 2004 Bowen win a trip with the team Joseph was a freshman Joseph coming to the D- way in this game.” selection in 2001, 2002 launched GET FIT with to a road playoff game with the University of League were to work on According to Joseph and 2003 before earning Bruce and Buddy, a com- and preview the banner Texas learning about life in his leadership and tough- enjoyed his time in Austin first team honors in 2004, prehensive program that will be raised to the the Big 12. What a dif- ness. with the Toros and it 2005, 2006, 2007 and aimed towards fighting rafters on March 21. All ference a year makes. Jones said, “I helped to slow the game 2008). Bowen is one of childhood obesity in San proceeds from the lun- Joseph is still the energetic thought he (Cory) was down for him. Since Jo- five swingmen in NBA his- Antonio. Nearly 15,000 cheon will benefit SBGB. player that plays hard on more consistent.I thought seph time back with the tory to earn All-Defensive boys and girls partici- To purchase tickets or for every play and does it he ran the team well. I Spurs he has been averag- Team honors in eight-or- pated in the program. more information on the with a smile. Cory is still liked his leadership, his ing just over minutes per more straight seasons The Spurs will give luncheon please call (210) one of the fastest players toughness and his confi- game and used to give Bowen was a part of fans the opportunity to 444-5609 or email on the court even on the dence. His progression started rest. three NBA Championship honor Bowen prior to his [email protected].