UNI looks to rookies to make an impact on the court

The U-N-I men’s basketball team has a number of experienced players but one of their newcomers expected to make an impact is freshman guard Brooks McKowen. As a senior at Wapsie Valley High School last season McKowen became the state’s all-time leading scorer. While known for his scoring, Panther coach Greg McDermott says McKowen gets everyone involved, and is grossly underrated as a passer. McDermott says he can also shoot the three. After a decorated high school career McKowen is facing a new challenge. He says there’s always a little pressure on freshmen as you have to start all over again and prove yourself. McKowen says the college game has different demands. He says he has been working hard on improving defensively as he never had to guard anyone as tough as he does now. The Panthers play their second exhibition game tomorrow night.