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.

Cory Joseph settles in for the Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs does not have the luxury of teaching rookie Cory Joseph the Spurs way, because of the reduced practice times due to the lockout and the condensed schedule of the National Basketball Association. 

Joseph spent two weeks with the Toros working on his toughness and getting valuable minutes that he did not have the opportunity to get with the Spurs.  Due to injuries to TJ Ford and Manu Ginobili, was recalled by the Spurs from the Austin Toros off the developmental league of the NBA.

This time last year Joseph was a freshman with the University of Texas learning about life in the Big 12.  What a difference a year makes.  Joseph is still the energetic player that plays hard on every play and does it with a smile. 

Cory is still one of the fastest players on the court even on the pro level, but the competition can catch up very quickly and has the ability to use angles and great leaping ability to counter Joseph’s speed.

The Toros run the same offense as the Spurs and are fully owned by the Spurs.  Second year coach Brad Jones thought that the progression from the first game to the second game by Joseph was a 100 percent improvement.  The contributing reasons for Joseph coming to the D-League were to work on his leadership and toughness.

Jones said, “I thought he (Cory) was more consistent.  I thought he ran the team well.  I liked his leadership, his toughness and his confidence.  His progression from last night to tonight was great and hopefully that is what we will continue to see from him.”

Joseph said, “A lot of people look down to the D-league, but here the Spurs look at it as a good thing.”  In the few games that Joseph played with the Toros the improvements were very noticeable.  Joseph continued, “The experience with the Toros helped me a lot with my confidence and confidence will take you a long way in this game.”

According to Joseph he enjoyed his time in Austin with the Toros and it helped to slow the game down for him.  Since Joseph time back with the Spurs he has been averaging just over ten minutes per game and is used to give starter Tony Parker rest.