For his senior season, McGowens moved to Legacy Early College in Greenville, South Carolina.

[3] As a senior, he averaged 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, earning South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

[10] On March 1, 2022, he scored 26 points in a 78–70 win against Ohio State but suffered a hand injury that forced him to miss the following game against Wisconsin.

[13] McGowens was selected with the 40th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022 NBA draft before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.

[15] Under the terms of the deal, he split time between the Hornets and their NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.

[18] McGowens' older brother, Trey, played college basketball for Pittsburgh before transferring to Nebraska.