Former URI Star “Living the Dream,” Playing for Philadelphia 76ers
Jim Malachowski, Sports Columnist
Former URI Star “Living the Dream,” Playing for Philadelphia 76ers
Looking back over the last 10 years while they were playing in college, which URI basketball players would you have predicted would play in the NBA?
The casual fan probably would not have Dowtin on their list. But those connected to the URI program who knew him well and knew his ability to make good decisions, clutch play, passion for the game.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Dowtin Was Not Drafted
The 6’3” point guard was identified as a three-star recruit coming out of high school. During his senior year at URI, he averaged 13.9 points, 3,2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, shot 43% from the field, 36% on 3’s, and 76% from the line. He did not have NBA prospect stats, and it is doubtful that any scouts came to the Ryan Center to watch him play. His name was not called during the NBA draft.
But Dowtin has done it. He has done what thousands of college basketball players not only dream about but firmly believe they will play in the NBA. Think of the Mitchell twins as an example. They were tall, athletic, talented, and highly recruited out of high school. The twins and their mom staunchly believed they would play in the NBA. Like so many others, it was not to be for the twins.
How Did Dowtin do it?
It’s a story of patience, perseverance, a whole lot of confidence, and an interesting mindset in dealing with pressure. He has had nine contracts with five different NBA teams – Orlando, Golden State, Milwaukee, Toronto, and Philadelphia. Along the way, he has become an expert on NBA contracting, having signed 10-day, two-way, and a standard NBA contract. He has also played in the NBA G League (the official minor league of the NBA), helping the Lakeland Magic capture the 2021 NBA G League Championship.
His current two-way contract with the 76ers allows him to swing between the Sixers and their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He has played in about half of the 76ers’ first 45 games this year. He is playing 11.2 minutes per game, averaging 3.7 PPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 RPG, and .4 SPG.
I had the opportunity to talk with Jeff and find out about his journey and success in breaking through.
Asked how he was able to break through where so many others have failed, Dowtin responded, “It was just making the most of my opportunities throughout my journey. Workouts in front of coaches, summer league, playing in the G League, getting opportunities whenever they came about. Every time I had one of those opportunities I excelled at them. I was confident in myself, and I played tremendously, played hard, played great basketball. The coaches took a look at that. I guess they were excited about how I was playing.”
I asked him what it was about Philly that allowed him to stick versus the other teams he had short stints with. He responded, “I think it is about different situations and different circumstances. Every team is different. The style of play is different. I think we found a culture and niche here that fits my game. The atmosphere and teammates, the coach, everything. They trust me, and it’s been going well for the past two years, so we just found a nice situation.”
Advanced Sense of the Game by Players Throughout the NBA
We talked about what it was like during an NBA game, and he mentioned the obvious things like the player’s speed, athleticism, quickness, agility, and paying attention to detail. But he also talked about the advanced sense of the game. Everyone understands how to play. Throughout the league, players have an intuitive ability to know what is happening and what is going to happen next. He said this mix of an intuitive feel for the game, cerebral thinking, and athletic ability separates the pro game from college.
Dowtin said, “Everything is so quick and fast, and I just have to be prepared for everything. Change of pace, being able to change your speed to match the game, understanding how everything is moving, and just being ready for anything.”
He must study the game more than ever, he said, “A lot of film sessions. A lot of extra work with the coaches. Paying attention to details. A lot of breaking down plays. You just definitely become more of a student of the game.”
Handling Pressure - There Is No Pressure
During the interview, I asked him about feeling pressure and how he handles it. As a swing player, he is one of the last men on the roster in a performance-based league where if you faulter, you are out. When he plays with the Delaware Blue Coats, it’s the minor league. I asked if there was added pressure from the expectation he should excel at that level.
Dowtin had an interesting response to my probing on handling pressure. He explained all the pressure was in getting into the NBA. He told me once he stepped on an NBA floor for the first time, it gave him great confidence. He said, “The pressure was in getting here. I have made it to the NBA. I have put in the work. I have overcome all of that.” He said he does not feel pressure now, he just plays his game.
Dowtin said, “I control what I can control. Adding any pressure on yourself is not good. You have put in the work, thousands of hours in the gym. Trusting your grind. Trusting in your work. Trust in everything you have done, and you go out and perform. No added pressure. No more overthinking or anything like that.”
Shifting gears, I asked him his thoughts about his playing days at URI. He said, “Going back-to-back getting into the NCAA Tournament (2017 & 2018). In the NCAAs, we won our first-round games both years. Winning the A-10 Tournament Championship my freshman year and winning the Conference Regular Season Championship my sophomore year. I think those were all big moments. During my career at Rhode Island, we kind of put the program on the map. Initially, we were being counted out and were the underdogs. Winning and bringing that winning culture back to the school was amazing for us.”
Dowtin still follows the Rams, saying, “I have been keeping up. They had a great non-conference record. I think they won their first 10 in a row.”
Credits URI for Helping Him Succeed
I distinctly remember Dowtin flying up and down the floor at the Ryan Center with the long arms and legs propelling his slightly less than smooth gate, which disguised his speed and quickness. He was and is a hard-nosed and passionate player. He broke through and made it to the bright lights. Philly is a tough place to play, but he is thriving in that environment.
He credits his time at URI with helping him get to where he is today, saying, “At URI, I had a lot of great coaches, a lot of great teammates around me that pushed me. That gave me the keys to being successful. I fell in love with playing my game and taking every situation, every problem head-on.”
The 76ers play the Boston Celtics on Sunday night (Feb. 2nd) in Philly.