Aussie forward Kyle Bowen makes his mark with the Canterbury Rams

Canterbury Rams newcomer, Kyle Bowen, has wasted no time in making his presence felt - and he's loving every second of it. 

The 24-year-old originally from Perth, made his debut for the Rams basketball team in Sunday’s clash against the Wellington Saints, and said the game exceeded his expectations. 

The 6”7 forward was electric, finishing the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds. 

“It was awesome,” Bowen said.

“I loved the crowd and the energy - it was a good first hit out against a pretty decent opponent. I’m just looking forward to many more to come.”

Bowen arrived in New Zealand with a wealth of experience, having most recently finished the Australian NBL season with Melbourne United, falling just short of a championship in a five-game finals series against the Illawarra Hawks. 

But, even with his experience in the Australian league, the physicality of his first game in New Zealand took him by surprise.

 “I don’t know if it was because I just got off a flight, but this league’s a lot more physical than I anticipated it to be,” he laughed.

“So that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to improving on and utilising.”

Under their new head coach, Quinn Clinton (QC), Bowen says the Rams play with a lot of speed compared to other teams he’s in. 

“The style of play that QC uses is a lot more fast paced than I’m typically used to, but I’m really enjoying the challenge.”

He’s also looking forward to some friendly rivalries throughout the season, including coming up against Flynn Cameron, his former teammate from Melbourne United. 

“He was my roommate for the past two years, so it’s going to be fun playing against him.”

One thing that has already got fans talking is Bowen’s unconventional shooting form, but he remains unbothered. 

“It’s obviously quite unique,” he admitted.

"But I trust it and as long as it’s going in, I’m happy.”

With talent, strength, and a touch of flair, Bowen looks set to become a fan favourite for Canterbury basketball fans, and will be a key part of the Rams’ campaign as they aim for a three-peat.