Spurs to retire Bruce Bowen jersey

The San Antonio Spurs will retire Bruce Bowen jersey on March 21, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bowen’s No. 12 jersey will join, James Silas’ No 13, geroge Gervin’s No. 44, Johnny Moore’s No. 00 , David Robinson’s N. 50. Sean Elliott’s No. 32 and Avery Johnson’s No 6 in the rafters in the AT & T Center.

Bowen Joined the Spurs in 2001 and played nine seasons in San Antonio.  Bowen started in every game he played in for the Spurs and averaged 6.4 points, and 1.3 assists per game.

The 6-7 guard out of Cal State Fullerton earned a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive Team in eight of his nine seasons with the Spurs (was a second team selection in 2001, 2002 and 2003 before earning first team honors in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008).

 Bowen is one of five swingmen in NBA history to earn All-Defensive Team honors in eight-or-more straight seasons Bowen was a part of three NBA Championship teams with the Spurs. He appeared in 122 playoff games, averaging 6.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

A leader on and off the court, Bowen earned the NBA’s Community Assist Award twice (March 2005 and January 2006) for his efforts in the San Antonio community. In 2004 Bowen launched GET FIT with Bruce and Buddy, a comprehensive program aimed towards fighting childhood obesity in San Antonio. Nearly 15,000 boys and girls participated in the program.

The Spurs will give fans the opportunity to honor Bowen prior to his jersey being raised at a luncheon which will take place Monday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AT&T Center. Former teammates and the entire 2011-12 Spurs team will be on hand to recognize Bowen.

Those in attendance will be able to enjoy a silent auction, a chance to win a trip with the team to a road playoff game and preview the banner that will be raised to the rafters on March 21. 

All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit SBGB. To purchase tickets or for more information on the luncheon please call (210) 444‐5609 or email sbgb@attcenter.com.