In the day and age of the transfer portal and NIL, loyalty has been all but erased from the lexicon of collegiate athletics.
However, Sam Towns is one player who has gone against the modern grain.
“He’s kind of a throwback,” BGSU men’s basketball head coach Todd Simon said.
Towns has spent the past four seasons with Bowling Green, and is the only player on the roster who pre-dates Simon and his staff, dating back to the Michael Huger era.
Towns has played with 44 different teammates at Bowling Green, but has built a unique connection with the program that is practically lost in modern-day college basketball.
“I know all the staff, all the medical staff, everybody in the building. They all know me. I know them by their names. I can go all the way down to the janitors that are in here at night while I’m shooting. They all know my name. I know their name as well,” Towns said. “So, it’s really just creating a home sense. Something I’ll be able to come back 10, 15 years down the line and still feel like I believe that I haven’t missed a beat. Even little things like my picture being in the hallway just shows the love that they have for me as well as the love I have for them.”
The Columbus, Ohio, native has had numerous opportunities to leave in the transfer portal, but has repeatedly chosen to stay in northwest Ohio.
“I’d say it’s like my second home. I don’t really get the chance, especially being a student athlete, to go home too much, even though it’s a couple hours away. So, I’d say I’ve made a way to make this my second home, the community, the people around it,” Towns said. “I’d just say it’s a second home for me. It’s given me a sense of security; I‘m not alone.”
The Bowling Green community has responded by embracing Towns.
“There’s older people that come to the game that I look forward to seeing every game. There’s people that make sure that I try to get my autographs and pictures every game. And I go and watch some little kid’s game, and there’s a couple of autistic guys that I go watch his game,” Towns said. “There’s just a couple of things in the community that people really show that they care about me, and I try to do the best to show that I care about them as well.”
Towns did not start his career at BGSU, spending his first two seasons at Ohio University. But the special nature of Bowling Green drew him to Bowling Green.
“I’ve been here a couple times, once or twice, while I was at Ohio University. And it always seemed like a college type of town, somewhat like Ohio University, but a little more chill. I’m more of a chill guy, to be honest. I like to stay to myself,” Towns said. “So initially, when I hit the portal, it was kind of a no-brainer when I saw the options that I had.”
As Towns has become a figure that represents the community, he has grown to become the primary vocal leader of the Falcons.
“He’s like family at this point, and we have a really good relationship. I really trust him,” Simon said. “Sam’s a lot of fun to be around. Sam’s got a big personality. Guys gravitate toward him, and he’s got a big laugh and loud voice. He can be a very impressive guy in the room with how jovial he is and his kind of perspective on life. He’s mature and has a calmness about him.”
Towns has also been the model of dedication during his time with the Falcons.
The 6-foot-9 forward stayed at Bowling Green after a coaching change, returned for another season after playing just six games last year due to a season-ending injury and altered his game numerous times to fit the needs of the program.
“He wants this program to succeed. I think he lives his life around trying to make this go,” Simon said. “So, I think he’s very much invested in the program.”
In the end, Towns aimed to be genuine during his time at Bowling Green.
“I hope that they just remember me as a very nice person. That’s all I really want is to come off as a good human being. Someone that they always could know that when the game comes up, he’ll come give me a high five. He’ll make me feel a part of it. I always take pictures with little kids after the game. I just want to go out as a nice person,” Towns said. “I was raised as a good young man by my mom, and I just want that to be reflected throughout the community.”
But as he gears up for his 85th career game, and possibly his last, with the Falcons, in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament on Thursday, Towns’ legacy is destined to be his commitment in a non-committed era.
“I hope they see somebody that was loyal to BG in a time where loyalty is fleeting … I hope they see that passion and recognize him as someone that gave their all for BG,” Simon said.
