Conversation with Damarius Owens of Albany City Rocks

The 6’7” Small Forward Damarius Owens is a diamond in the rough and his play is bringing him national attention. The Rochester, NY native who’s in the 2024 Class & plays for Western Reserve Academy (OH) plus Albany City Rocks on the Nike EYBL circuit.  

The up and coming prospect will be a household name next summer or sooner.  We notice his abilities in our Best of the Best Upstate Invite showcase held in Buffalo, NY. Owens is still impressing others, has he lays his mark in the Nike Peach Jam in Augusta, SC last July playing up in the 17U class. “Peach Jam was a great experience. Being pulled up to 17u gave me the opportunity to go up against the best players at the highest level. I felt that I got in the game and made many impacts on the offensive and defensive glass while helping my team get stop with blocks and deflections which helped us go on the 5-0 run.” 

Damarius Owens

The Upstate NY Owens notes that “Basketball culture is something different. We have shown that we can produce players that can play at the highest level in basketball and our goal is to get as many players from Rochester on the map so that they can play at the level they deserve.” 

Standout players like Syracuse University & NBA veteran John Wallace or Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons who are also from Rochester, have always been competitive and skilled. Owens knows the assignment and carry’s a torch with him. “Playing in Rochester is always a competition to be the best and that’s what has prepared me to be where I am now.”

Picture courtesy of Syracuse Orange on SI

Owens states he has offers from Syracuse, Marquette, St. Bonaventure, Iona, Creighton, Cincinnati, UMass, Siena and UMBC. Cincinnati and Marquette have shown the most interest.  “My recruitment just picked up recently this summer starting off with the first couple of EYBL sessions and it’s a blessing to have access to the exposure the circuit has to offer. Syracuse is a great university and their style of play is a great fit for me but my recruitment is wide open.”

Owens says his parents & coaches have been the most important in his recruitment process. “I know they want the best for me and that I can trust them. One thing that I’d say is pretty interesting is probably my family. There is nine of us total from the same two parents. Five girls and four boys.” Owens future looks bright and fulfilling, we will continue to watch.

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