Top-150 power forward Damarius Owens down to 3 schools as decision looms

Damarius Owens, a three-star power forward in the 2024 class, has narrowed his list of offers down to three schools: Marquette, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-8 junior out of Hudson (OH) Western Reserve Academy has taken two official visits: Syracuse last October and Marquette in January. Owens says he plans to announce his college commitment sometime during the month of February.

In addition to the three schools listed among his top group, Owens also received offers from Cincinnati, Alabama, Creighton, Xavier, and others.

Owens, a Rochester, NY native, ranks as the No. 145 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus — the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies (ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals, On3).

He broke down each of his finalists.

Owens on the Orange: “Syracuse basketball has been apart of my life since I was little”

“Syracuse basketball has been apart of my life since I was little,” Owens said to On3. “It’s close to home, no more than a hour and a half. My dad worked at a furniture store that they promoted courtside and we’d always get to sit there and get put on the big screen so it was always fun to go there and watch games. I believe that their zone is a good fit for me considering my athleticism and length as well. When I was on my visit, they showed me a great time. I got to meet all of the staff and players, while also seeing the campus/dorms. The football game was one of the most exciting parts of the visit! The atmosphere and love that I got while I was there was incredible.”

Marquette: “Shaka is a great coach and he is filled with energy and it runs through the whole staff”

“Marquette is a great university filled with great people,” said Owens. “While I was on my visit, I got to see the team and meet the whole staff in person after meeting them all in a Zoom call. They showed me around campus and I got to see and meet many new people. Shaka (Smart) is a great coach and he is filled with energy and it runs through the whole staff! It rubs off on you which is great. The team also had great energy no matter if they were on the bench, practicing, shooting around. Wherever they were they were connected and it gives off a great vibe. I got the opportunity to meet D Wade which was a crazy experience. I also got to watch my first NBA game in person. Marquette’s play style is a great fit for me. They play free and very unselfish and I can see myself within their system.”

Virginia Tech: “I like how free Virginia Tech plays and their ability to share the ball”

“Virginia Tech first came to see me earlier this year during a practice,” Owens said. “It was coach Young and an assistant and they talked to me shortly after that practice. I can remember them telling me that they loved how I can push the ball in transition and make plays. We stayed in touch and coach Young came out to see me again a couple weeks later. I like how free Virginia Tech plays and their ability to share the ball. I also have family that’s not too far from Blacksburg so that’ll be a good opportunity for them to come support if I was to choose to go there.”