Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has announced that John Bowler will become the next head coach for the school’s men’s basketball program.
Bowler, who will become the 11th head coach in program history, will succeed B.J. McGinn, who will become the full-time Director of Athletics for DMACC. McGinn was named the school’s Director of Athletics in April of 2016 and has served as men’s basketball coach and the Director of Athletics for the past two seasons. He has been the head men’s basketball coach for the past nine seasons.
“I am excited to have John be the next leader of our men’s basketball program here at DMACC,” McGinn said. “He has served for me as both assistant and associate head coach during the past four seasons.
“I wanted to make sure that the program was entrusted to someone who will continue to carry on the tradition and integrity that we have established over the last two decades and I fully believe that John will continue to build on what we have established here and carry on the winning tradition at DMACC.”
McGinn, a native of Cedar Falls, compiled an overall record of 191-97 and National Rankings as high as No. 1 and No. 2 in the country during his nine seasons as the head coach. During his tenure, DMACC collected two Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) league titles, two Region 11 championships and advanced to the Elite 8 and Final 4 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament. McGinn was named NJCAA District 8 Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
During his nine seasons as head coach, 34 DMACC players earned All-Region honors, three earned All-American recognition and 17 played at the NCAA Division I level. And McGinn’s players performed in the classroom as well, achieving a 100 percent graduation/placement rate with each player moving on to a four-year college or university. The DMACC men’s basketball program was also named the 2011-2012 NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year with a 3.21 Team GPA.
Bowler has spent the past four seasons as McGinn’s top assistant, during which time the Bears have tallied 78 wins, captured an ICCAC Conference Championship, won a Region 11 Championship, and earned an NJCAA tournament appearance. Bowler’s first season at DMACC, 2014-15, saw the Bears finish 28-7 and culminating with a trip to the Final Four of the NJCAA national tournament.
“I want to thank our Director of Athletics, BJ McGinn, Provost Dr. Andrew Nelson and President Rob Denson for entrusting me with this opportunity,” Bowler said. “I’m honored to be chosen to lead this storied program. We have a rich tradition and high standards. Moving forward, our goal is to exceed these expectations in the classroom, on the court, and within the community.”
During his time at DMACC, Bowler has helped produce multiple All-Region and Academic All-Region players while sending 21 Bears on to four-year institutions with 15 of those moving on to the NCAA Division I or Division II ranks.
Bowler came to DMACC after serving the 2013-14 season as a graduate assistant coach at Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, Mississippi. While at DSU, Bowler helped lead the Statesmen to a 26-7 record, the regular season Gulf South Conference Championship and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament.
Bowler entered the coaching ranks after an outstanding collegiate and professional playing career.
As a four-year letterman at NCAA Division I Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Bowler scored 1,427 points (13th in EMU history) and snared 801 rebounds (sixth in EMU history) to compile one of the finest careers in the history of Eagles basketball. His best season came as a senior when he averaged 20.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game while being recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the top Mid-Major players in the country. Bowler was a two-time captain, and two-time All-Mid American Conference honoree at EMU.
Bowler went on to play six successful seasons in Germany’s top professional league for ENBW Ludwigsburg (2010-2012) and Telekom Baskets Bonn (2006-2009). As a pro, Bowler led his team to four playoff appearances, a Beko BBL Cup Final, two EuroCup appearances, a top eight finish in the Eurochallenge and two appearances in the Beko BBL Finals. Bowler’s best season came in 2007-2008 when he appeared in 39 games, averaging 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Bowler lives in Boone with his wife, Elizabeth, a former Eastern Michigan volleyball player, their two daughters, Grace and Charlotte, and a son, JD. Bowler will officially begin his head coaching duties June 1.
