Bowers taking advantage of NBA relationship

Laurence Bowers is no dummy. He knows where to go for help on his game. Why not work out with one of the top shooters in the NBA if the opportunity is there? The 6-foot-8 combo forward does and it is showing in his game.

Bowers, a Memphis native, has formed a relationship with Mike Miller of the Grizzlies and even plays for the M33M Ballers, an AAU team that Miller sponsors. Bowers said he has tapped into Miller's experience and continues to transform his game with Miller's help.

"I'm privileged. I know that. There aren't a lot of kids that have one of the best shooters in the NBA working with you," Bowers said.

"I've had a lot of fun working with him. He's been in my shoes before. He's tall, I'm tall. I kind of play like him and he has shown me on what I need to do to get better, especially with my shot. I didn't really have that great of form but he's been working with me. I'm following through better. I have a better base when I shoot. He's just made me a better player."

Bowers averaged 14 points, 14 rebounds and 11 blocks a game last season as a sophomore at Elliston Baptist Academy and has played well at times on the AAU circuit. Bowers is gearing up for a big July, he said.

"I'm just trying to get some colleges to look at me and see my game. I'm going to bring it."

"I've got colleges looking at me but I'm not committing any time soon," Bowers said. "There are a lot of high D1s."

Memphis, Stanford and Tennessee are amongst those looking at Bowers, he said. More will follow but Bowers said he knows he controls his own destiny.

"It depends on how I play. I know if I look and play bad that they aren't going to come. I understand that," Bowers said.

Bowers is no slouch in the classroom either. He finished his sophomore year with a 3.8 grade point average.