Updated Oct. 17, 2007

ack Owens is regarded as one of college basketball's best recruiters. !e relationships he's built with high school coaches and his sharp eye for talent have helped the Salukis make in-roads in talent hotbeds throughout the midwest.

Owens' knowledge of the game also helps in preparation for upcoming opponents and has been an essential part of the team's success.

Owens was hired in the summer of 2003 by former Saluki head coach Matt Painter, who first watched Owens play in 1996 during a recruiting visit to Howard (Texas) Community College. Painter, then an assistant on the staff at Eastern Illinois, signed Owens, who went on to have a stellar, two-year career for EIU from 1997-99. In 1999, Owens averaged 11.7 ppg and led the Ohio Valley Conference in assists (6.5 apg). Owens was honorable mention all-conference, team MVP, "Outstanding Defensive Player" and co-captain.

!e 30-year-old assistant coach joined the Saluki staff after one year as an assistant at his alma mater. From 2000-2002, Owens was an assistant coach at Barton County (KS) Junior College, which was ranked as high as second in the nation during the 2001-02 season. He also coached at Howard Community College in 2000 and served briefly as interim head coach.

Owens and his wife, Kamilah, have two daughters, Alanah (8) and Aniyah (born last April).