By: Howie Thompson, Director of Sports Communication
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Upper Iowa University Athletics Director David Miller officially introduced Brooks McKowen as the new head coach of the Peacock men's basketball program this morning at a press conference in Fayette. McKowen comes to Upper Iowa after spending the last two years at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn.
"I am pleased to announce the hiring of Brooks McKowen as the head men's basketball coach at Upper Iowa," said Miller. "Brooks fits the profile that we wanted for the program. This profile included experience at the NCAA DII level, a knowledge of the NSIC, an understanding of UIU, and a belief in a student-athlete centered philosophy."
McKowen will be UIU's eighteenth men's basketball head coach in the program's 98 season history. The Fairbank, Iowa native was the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with SMSU over the last two years as the Mustangs posted a 35-25 record overall with a 28-16 mark in the NSIC including a 19-win season in 2011-12. McKowen's first year on the job also included a second place finish in the NSIC, an NSIC tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
Miller continued, "Brooks is a talented coach and is highly respected in the basketball community. He stood out among a strong pool of candidates. His commitment, passion, and enthusiasm for the game of basketball will motivate our student-athletes to take their game to the next level. We are excited about the future of UIU men's basketball under the leadership and direction of Brooks McKowen."
The Peacock men's basketball program is coming off its best season since moving up to the NCAA Division II level and joining the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) prior to the 2006-07 season. Upper Iowa posted a record of 20-12 this past season which included the team's first trip to the NCAA DII Central Regional Tournament. The Peacocks reached the semifinals of the NSIC/Sanford Health Men's Basketball Tournament thanks to an opening round win over Minot State University and a quarterfinal victory at St. Cloud State University. A last second three did not find the mark in the semifinal loss to Bemidji State and the season came to an end at the Central Regional in a loss to Augustana.
"I am excited for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Peacock men's basketball team," said McKowen. "To be able to come home and take over a program that is in a great spot to succeed and continue to grow is tremendous. I am also excited to join the hardworking staff at Upper Iowa. I want to thank President Bill Duffy and Athletic Director David Miller for the chance to take over and continue to grow the program. I also can't thank my friends and family enough for all the support over the years; they, along with my former coaches, have helped me grow as an individual."
After averaging 35.8 points and 11.2 rebounds as a senior for Wapsie Valley Community High School, McKowen was named the state of Iowa's "Mr. Basketball" by the Iowa Newspaper Association in 2003. He graduated as the state's all-time leader in both points in a season (1,002 in 2003) and points in a career (2,831 from 2000-03); the two records have stood over the last decade.
"Northeast Iowa is a great basketball area and a great sports area in general," continued McKowen. "The high school coaches in the area work hard and it is key that we develop a relationship of open communication with them. The fans in northeast Iowa love a good product and will come to see a team that plays hard and wins the right way."
McKowen signed a National Letter of Intent to the University of Northern Iowa to play for Greg McDermott, currently at Creighton, and Ben Jacobson, UNI's current coach. He was a four-year letter winner at point guard for Northern Iowa, helping lead the Panthers to three, 20-plus win seasons and three trips to the NCAA tournament. He was a three-time second team Academic All-Conference honoree and was also named first team Academic All-District in 2007. A member of the 2004 Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman team, McKowen ended his career holding the school record for assists in a single-season, while ranking second all-time in assists and fourth all-time in games played. He scored 856 points in a Panther uniform.
Prior to joining the SMSU staff in Marshall, McKowen spent the 2010-11 season as an assistant coach at Des Moines Area Community College. At DMACC, he served as recruiting coordinator, and worked with player development, scouting and game preparation, and was also academic and camp coordinator. DMACC finished the season 23-8 and advanced to the region semifinals.
"My coaching background is diverse," stated McKowen. "I learned to watch film at an early age with my dad and played for him all through high school. Then I had the opportunity to play for two very successful coaches at Northern Iowa in Greg McDermott and Ben Jacobson. I owe them a lot for continuing my education in basketball and allowing me to begin my coaching career at UNI under Coach Jacobson. I finally learned two different coaching styles from B.J. McGinn and Brad Bigler. I learned a lot at the junior college level and in the Northern Sun Conference and am appreciative of everything they taught me."
McKowen spent three seasons (2007-10) on the coaching staff at UNI following his graduation. He served as a graduate assistant coach in his first two seasons with the Panthers, before moving to video coordinator in his final season. In 2009-10, UNI advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.
McKowen is a 2007 graduate of UNI in physical education and earned his master's degree from UNI in 2009 with a degree in physical education and coaching.