As the Tulane University Green Wave men’s basketball team prepares for its last games before the conference tournament, they are optimistic, primarily due to Rowan Brumbaugh.
Brumbaugh, Tulane’s new transfer and starting point guard, provides a diverse skill set to his role and the ability to find his teammates and score both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations.
Not only is Brumbaugh skilled, but he also brought a level of experience when it comes to being a college starter. Brumbaugh has had a long journey up until this point. As a Massachusetts native, Brumbaugh has traversed his path and been in many different situations throughout his college basketball career, making significant stops at the University of Texas and Georgetown University before settling in at Tulane.
Brumbaugh’s passion for basketball ignited early, back in third grade when he played in New York. Despite a brief stint in Brooklyn, New York his foundational years in basketball developed in Massachusetts. His talent became apparent in high school, where he excelled and emerged as the No. 2 player in his state. “I never really felt it was pressure because I just loved playing basketball,” Brumbaugh said.
Out of high school, Brumbaugh’s journey took him to the Longhorns, where he was drawn by his relationship with former coach Chris Beard, which became a type of mentorship. The university’s strong academic reputation also played a factor in Brumbaugh’s decision. However, after Beard’s departure, Brumbaugh moved to Georgetown, where he grew into a homegrown college player. At Georgetown, Brumbaugh made a significant jump by starting in 20 of the 31 games he played and averaging 8.3 points per game.
Now in his third year of college basketball eligibility, the transition to Tulane has been exhilarating for Brumbaugh. He discussed how adapting to head coach Ron Hunter’s passionate and somewhat aggressive coaching style has been.
“It’s definitely an adjustment for me since I’ve never really had a coach like that,” he said. If the way Brumbaugh has been playing in his recent game with Tulane indicates success, it’s safe to say he and Hunter are starting to find their groove.
Off the court, Brumbaugh has embraced Louisiana’s rich outdoor culture. He is an avid fan of fishing and hunting and finds the state to be a perfect match for his hobbies. Additionally, his being able to explore New Orleans has led him to appreciate the city’s vibrant spots.
“I love going to City Park. I have a little husky, Sheppard, so I love going to the dog park with her,” he said.
Statistically, this season, Brumbaugh has shown a massive leap from last and impressive adaptability. He boasts 15.5 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists; night in and night out, Brumbaugh’s play is a pivotal factor in deciding the game for Tulane. “I just make everything about winning,” Brumbaugh said, when asked about his playing philosophy.
With six games left in the season, Brumbaugh’s leadership and play are more crucial than ever. Only time will tell if Tulane is able to make a conference tournament run for a spot in March Madness.
As Tulane is nearing the end of its season, Brumbaugh’s journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Massachusetts to a leading point guard in New Orleans is a window revealing his resilience and dedication to the game. His story is not just about adapting to different coaching styles or environments but about thriving in them and setting an example for future generations of Tulane athletes.
Rowan Brumbaugh’s narrative is still unfolding, and the Tulane community eagerly anticipates the following chapters of his collegiate and athletic career.
