(Editor’s note: Montana Tech press release)
BUTTE – Montana Tech head men’s basketball coach Adam Hiatt added depth to the guard position with the addition of two transfers. Joining the Orediggers next fall are Troy Owens Jr. and Nate Ward.
“Troy and Nate are huge additions to our program,” said coach Hiatt. “They both are extremely talented, competitive, and high character individuals.”
Owens just finished his sophomore season at Sacramento City College. Originally from Sacramento, Owens averaged 20.6 points while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 40.5 from beyond the arc. He also averaged 8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. During conference action, Owens averaged 23 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Owens hit double-figures every game last season including 20-plus point efforts on 12 occasions.
“Troy can really score from all three levels, is strong around the rim, and will rebound and defend as well as any guard in our conference. He can create his own shot, or one for his team, and has incredible speed up and down the floor.”
Owens was named first team All-Conference and helped lead the Rams to a fourth place finish in the Big 8 Conference.
Ward, a 6-foot point guard, played one season at Eastern Arizona College. Ward averaged 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He led his team and was ranked in the top 10 in the conference in assists, assist to turnover ratio and steals. Ward had at least five assists in 13 games and posted a season high of 29 points against top ranked Arizona Western College.
“Nate is always in control of the game and is an elite point guard. He has a natural feel for what his team needs, whether that is scoring or getting the right teammate touches. His ability to make plays for our team will be significant. Troy and Nate are great fits for what we have built and will be instrumental in helping our program reach contender status this upcoming season.”
Ward, originally from University Place, Washington, graduated high school from Curtis HS. He was an All-Puget Sound League selection helping lead his team to a staggering 68-17 record in three seasons, three league championships and a fourth place finish in the AAAA Washington State Tournament.
Troy Owens, Jr. and Nate Ward join Connor Kieckbusch as new additions to the Montana Tech basketball program. The Diggers return ten players from their 2017-18 roster.
