Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Bryce McGowens is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born on November 8, 2002, in Pendleton, South Carolina, he developed into one of the state’s leading high school basketball prospects before playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and entering the NBA. His journey to professional basketball was strongly influenced by a family with an extensive background in competitive sports.
Bryce McGowens’s parents are Bobby McGowens and Pam McGowens, both former college athletes who later became involved in basketball coaching. He has two siblings: an older brother, Trey McGowens, who played college basketball at Pittsburgh and Nebraska, and a younger sister, Raina McGowens, who plays college basketball at Furman University. Although his family’s athletic achievements are well documented, Bryce has kept his romantic relationships and whether he has children outside public attention.
Does Bryce McGowens Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Bryce McGowens has not publicly confirmed that he is dating anyone. The New Orleans Pelicans guard has generally maintained a private romantic life, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since establishing himself as a promising basketball player in South Carolina, McGowens has participated in interviews discussing his upbringing, family background, college basketball career and transition to the NBA.
However, these interviews have primarily focused on his athletic development rather than his dating history.
His social media presence and official basketball biographies also provide limited verified information about his romantic relationships.
There is no reliable public announcement confirming that Bryce McGowens is married or engaged.
Although fans may be interested in his personal relationships, the absence of confirmed information does not necessarily establish that he is single.
His current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Bryce McGowens Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Bryce McGowens has children.
The American basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA and university biographies do not identify him as a father.
Most of the available information about his personal life concerns his parents, older brother, younger sister and basketball development.
Although McGowens has occasionally participated in charitable activities and community programs involving young people, those activities do not establish whether he has children of his own.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Bryce McGowens has any children.
Who Are Bryce McGowens’s Parents?
Bryce McGowens was born to Bobby McGowens and Pam McGowens, whose identities are confirmed in official biographies published by the University of Nebraska and the NBA.
Both parents were accomplished athletes before raising their three children in South Carolina.
Bobby played college football and basketball, while Pam competed in women’s college basketball before becoming a high school coach.
Their experience helped establish a household where basketball was an important part of everyday life.
In July 2022, Bobby and Pam spoke to WYFF News 4 about their family’s athletic background and the excitement of watching their two sons pursue professional basketball opportunities.
Bryce McGowens’s Father: Bobby McGowens
Bobby McGowens is the father of NBA player Bryce McGowens and his siblings, Trey and Raina.
A former multi-sport athlete, Bobby established himself as a successful high school football and basketball player before competing at the collegiate level.
According to a July 2022 report published by WYFF News 4, Bobby helped lead McDuffie High School in Anderson County, South Carolina, to a state championship in 1993.
His high school performances eventually earned him opportunities to continue playing football at the college level.
Bobby initially attended Clemson University, where he played football, before transferring to South Carolina State University.
At South Carolina State, he competed in both football and basketball.
According to the University of Nebraska’s official basketball biography, Bobby finished his college football career as South Carolina State’s all-time leading receiver.
He also helped the university’s basketball team reach two NCAA Tournament appearances.
His experience competing in two major college sports provided him with valuable knowledge about athletic development, discipline and the demands of high-level competition.
After his playing career, Bobby became involved in basketball coaching and helped guide young athletes.
His sporting background also influenced his children’s development.
In a July 2022 interview with WYFF News 4, Bobby explained that he and his wife had shared a love of basketball for many years.
He recalled that they became acquainted through church before developing their relationship.
Basketball subsequently became one of the central interests shared by the family.
Bobby expressed particular pride in watching Bryce and Trey participate in the 2022 NBA Draft process.
While Bryce was selected in the second round, Trey received an opportunity to compete with the Los Angeles Clippers during NBA Summer League.
For Bobby, seeing two sons pursuing opportunities at the professional level represented a remarkable achievement.
His personal experience as a former college athlete helped him understand the dedication required for his children to reach those opportunities.
Bryce McGowens’s Mother: Pam McGowens
Pam McGowens, also known by her former surname Pam Owens, is Bryce McGowens’s mother and a former college basketball player.
She attended Western Carolina University, where she competed for the women’s basketball program.
According to Furman University’s official athletics biography for her daughter Raina, Pam earned Southern Conference Freshman of the Year honors during her college basketball career.
Before attending Western Carolina, she was an accomplished high school basketball player at Wren High School in South Carolina.
A July 2022 WYFF News 4 report identified her as an all-state guard during her high school years.
After her playing career, Pam remained involved in basketball as a coach.
She became the head coach of the girls’ basketball team at Wren High School in Piedmont, South Carolina.
Her coaching career gave her the opportunity to mentor young athletes, including her own daughter, Raina.
Pam’s professional involvement in basketball also provided valuable support for Bryce and Trey as they developed their skills.
Both sons grew up in a household where their parents understood basketball fundamentals, competitive preparation and the challenges associated with pursuing athletic scholarships.
Although Pam coached girls’ basketball, her experience as a former college player gave her a strong understanding of the sport.
In July 2022, she joined Bobby for an interview with WYFF News 4 to discuss their family’s basketball journey.
The interview followed Bryce’s selection in the NBA Draft and Trey’s participation in the professional basketball recruitment process.
Both parents expressed excitement about their sons’ achievements.
Pam also continued developing Wren High School’s girls’ basketball program, achieving considerable success with her daughter Raina on the roster.
During Raina’s senior season in 2023–24, Wren recorded 28 victories and reached the South Carolina Class 3A state championship game.
The team’s success demonstrated Pam’s continued involvement in developing competitive basketball talent.
Her experiences as a player, coach and mother have made her an important figure in the McGowens family’s sporting achievements.
Who Are Bryce McGowens’s Siblings?
Bryce McGowens has two siblings: an older brother named Trey McGowens and a younger sister named Raina McGowens.
Both siblings have pursued competitive basketball careers, continuing the family’s sporting tradition.
Their identities are confirmed in the official University of Nebraska, NBA and Furman University athletics biographies.
While Trey played alongside Bryce at Nebraska, Raina followed their parents’ footsteps by pursuing college basketball after a successful high school career.
Trey McGowens: Bryce McGowens’s Older Brother
Robert “Trey” McGowens is Bryce McGowens’s older brother and a professional basketball player who previously competed for the Pittsburgh Panthers and Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Born on May 15, 2000, in Columbia, South Carolina, Trey is approximately two years older than Bryce.
According to his official Nebraska biography, Trey was named after his father and grandfather but has been known by the nickname Trey since childhood.
Like his younger brother, Trey developed his basketball abilities at Wren High School in Piedmont, South Carolina.
During his high school career, he emerged as one of the state’s leading basketball prospects.
He earned all-state recognition and helped Wren reach the South Carolina Class 4A state championship game in 2017.
Trey later attended Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, where he continued developing his basketball skills.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from numerous major college basketball programs.
He eventually committed to the University of Pittsburgh, joining the Panthers for the 2018–19 season.
As a freshman, Trey averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.
His performances established him as an important contributor to the team.
After two seasons at Pittsburgh, he decided to transfer to the University of Nebraska.
The move eventually created an opportunity for him to become teammates with Bryce.
Both brothers represented Nebraska during the 2021–22 college basketball season.
In 2022, Trey entered the professional basketball recruitment process alongside his younger brother.
Although Trey was not selected in the NBA Draft, he received an opportunity to compete with the Los Angeles Clippers during NBA Summer League.
His experience demonstrated the family’s success in preparing multiple children for high-level basketball competition.
How Trey McGowens Influenced His Younger Brother Bryce
Trey McGowens played an important role in Bryce’s development because he was the first of the brothers to experience major college basketball.
As Trey progressed through high school and attracted attention from college recruiters, Bryce had an opportunity to observe the process firsthand.
In an April 2019 interview with The State, Bryce explained that watching his older brother navigate college basketball recruitment helped him understand what he needed to accomplish to compete at a higher level.
At the time, Trey had already established himself as a promising player at Pittsburgh.
Bryce was still developing his own game at Wren High School.
The older brother’s experiences gave Bryce insight into recruiting visits, college expectations and the importance of continued improvement.
Their relationship became even more significant when Trey transferred to Nebraska.
In November 2020, Bryce announced his commitment to the Cornhuskers, giving the brothers an opportunity to play on the same college basketball team.
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg welcomed the decision and noted that Trey was particularly excited about the opportunity.
The brothers eventually shared the court during the 2021–22 season.
For Bryce, competing alongside an older sibling who had already experienced several seasons of major college basketball provided valuable familiarity and support.
Their shared season at Nebraska also became an important part of the family’s basketball history.
Raina McGowens: Bryce McGowens’s Younger Sister
Raina McGowens is Bryce McGowens’s younger sister and a college basketball player for the Furman Paladins.
Like her brothers, Raina grew up in South Carolina in a family where basketball was an important part of everyday life.
She attended Wren High School in Piedmont, where she played for her mother, Pam McGowens.
Raina developed into one of South Carolina’s most accomplished high school girls’ basketball players.
According to her official Furman University biography, she averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.3 steals per game during her senior season.
Her performances helped Wren achieve a 28–3 record during the 2023–24 campaign.
The team also won its third consecutive regional championship and reached the state championship game.
Raina earned three all-region selections and twice received regional player of the year recognition.
She was also twice named player of the year by the Anderson Independent.
By the time she graduated in 2024, Raina had established several impressive school records.
She finished her high school basketball career with 2,268 points, 718 rebounds, 501 assists and 385 steals.
Her athletic abilities extended beyond basketball.
During her junior year, she also earned all-state recognition in track and field as a member of Wren’s 4×100-meter relay team.
After graduating from high school, Raina committed to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.
She joined the Furman Paladins women’s basketball program for the 2024–25 season.
As a freshman, she appeared in 30 games and averaged 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per contest.
Her role expanded during the 2025–26 season, when she appeared in 31 games and averaged 9.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
Furman’s official roster lists her as a junior guard for the 2026–27 season.
Her continued development means all three McGowens siblings have competed at the NCAA Division I level.
The McGowens Family’s Basketball Tradition
The McGowens family’s connection to basketball extends across multiple generations and includes achievements in several different sports.
Bobby McGowens played football and basketball at South Carolina State, while Pam McGowens was an accomplished college basketball player at Western Carolina.
Both parents subsequently became involved in high school basketball coaching.
Their children followed similar athletic paths.
Trey became a successful college basketball player before pursuing professional opportunities.
Bryce developed into an NBA player after an outstanding freshman season at Nebraska.
Raina established herself as a high school basketball standout before continuing her career at Furman University.
In July 2022, WYFF News 4 interviewed Bobby and Pam about their family’s sporting achievements.
The report highlighted the unusual situation of having two sons involved in the NBA Draft process during the same year.
Bryce had been selected with the 40th overall pick, while Trey was preparing to participate in NBA Summer League.
At the same time, Raina was already attracting attention from college basketball recruiters.
The interview illustrated how basketball had become a shared interest connecting the parents and all three children.
How Did Bryce McGowens’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
Bryce McGowens began developing his basketball skills in South Carolina, where both parents had experience as competitive athletes.
He attended Wren High School in Piedmont, establishing himself as one of the state’s most promising basketball prospects.
During his freshman season, he averaged 18.4 points per game.
His performances improved significantly during his sophomore campaign, when he averaged approximately 26 points per game and earned regional player of the year recognition.
As a junior, Bryce continued producing impressive scoring performances.
One of his most memorable achievements occurred in February 2020, when he scored 65 points during a high school playoff victory.
The performance established a Wren High School single-game scoring record.
His development attracted attention from major college basketball programs across the country.
He initially committed to Florida State University before reconsidering his college decision.
For his senior season, Bryce transferred to Legacy Early College in Greenville, South Carolina.
The move provided an opportunity to compete against strong basketball opponents while preparing for college.
He eventually decided to attend the University of Nebraska, where his older brother Trey was already playing.
His commitment in November 2020 represented an important achievement for the McGowens family.
During the 2021–22 season, Bryce immediately became one of Nebraska’s most important offensive players.
He appeared in 31 games and averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest.
His performances earned him All-Big Ten Third Team and Big Ten All-Freshman honors.
He was also named Big Ten Newcomer of the Year and received eight Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards.
McGowens set several Nebraska freshman records, including 522 total points and 162 successful free throws.
Following his impressive freshman season, he entered the 2022 NBA Draft.
On June 23, 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the 40th overall pick before his draft rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
The selection made him the first Nebraska basketball player drafted into the NBA since Tyronn Lue in 1998.
His NBA career began with Charlotte, where he spent the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons.
In July 2024, McGowens signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He spent considerable time developing with Portland’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix.
During the 2024–25 G League season, he averaged 28.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30 appearances.
His performances helped him earn All-NBA G League Second Team recognition.
On July 31, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that they had signed McGowens to a two-way contract.
His performances with New Orleans subsequently earned him an expanded role.
On February 20, 2026, the Pelicans converted his two-way agreement into a standard NBA contract.
The move marked another important achievement in his professional basketball development.
Throughout his journey from South Carolina high school basketball to the NBA, the experience and encouragement provided by his parents and siblings formed an important part of his background.
Bryce McGowens and His Family’s Connection to South Carolina
Although Bryce McGowens has played basketball in Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon and Louisiana, his family maintains strong connections to South Carolina.
Both parents developed their athletic careers in the state before attending college.
Bobby played at McDuffie High School, while Pam attended Wren High School.
Their sons also played basketball at Wren before pursuing opportunities at the college level.
Raina followed the same path, eventually becoming one of the most successful girls’ basketball players in Wren’s history.
The family’s involvement in the local basketball community extended beyond competing.
Through coaching, Bobby and Pam helped develop opportunities for young athletes.
Pam’s continued involvement with Wren’s girls’ basketball program connected the family’s history with a new generation of players.
Bryce’s achievements in the NBA also brought national attention to the basketball community where he grew up.
His story illustrates how a strong local sporting environment can help young athletes develop the confidence and skills needed to compete at higher levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryce McGowens’s Family
Who is Bryce McGowens’s father?
Bryce McGowens’s father is Bobby McGowens, a former college football and basketball player who represented Clemson University and South Carolina State University.
Who is Bryce McGowens’s mother?
His mother is Pam McGowens, formerly Pam Owens, a former Western Carolina University basketball player and high school basketball coach at Wren High School.
How many siblings does Bryce McGowens have?
Bryce McGowens has two siblings: an older brother named Trey McGowens and a younger sister named Raina McGowens.
Who is Bryce McGowens’s brother?
His older brother is Robert “Trey” McGowens, a basketball player who represented Pittsburgh and Nebraska before pursuing professional basketball opportunities.
Are Bryce McGowens and Trey McGowens brothers?
Yes. Bryce and Trey McGowens are biological brothers and sons of Bobby and Pam McGowens. They played together at the University of Nebraska during the 2021–22 season.
Who is Bryce McGowens’s sister?
Bryce McGowens’s younger sister is Raina McGowens, a college basketball player for Furman University who previously played under their mother at Wren High School.
Does Bryce McGowens have a girlfriend?
As of now, Bryce McGowens has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Bryce McGowens married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Bryce McGowens is married.
Does Bryce McGowens have children?
There are no verified public reports indicating that Bryce McGowens has sons or daughters.
Where was Bryce McGowens born?
Bryce McGowens was born on November 8, 2002, in Pendleton, South Carolina, United States.
Did Bryce McGowens’s parents play basketball?
Yes. His mother, Pam, played college basketball at Western Carolina, while his father, Bobby, played basketball and football at South Carolina State.
Which college did Bryce McGowens attend?
Bryce McGowens attended the University of Nebraska, where he played during the 2021–22 season alongside his older brother Trey.
Which NBA team does Bryce McGowens play for?
Bryce McGowens plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who converted his two-way agreement to a standard NBA contract on February 20, 2026.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
