[1] His parents both worked in public relations for a community group; his mother was a Howard University graduate who also later ran as a candidate in local government.
[3] Thunderbirds head coach, Boyd Adams, felt that Owens had "all the innate ability to become a fine player.
[3] However, his participation on the Weber State Wildcats basketball team during the 1970–71 season was limited to workouts as he could not improve his grades enough to play.
[3] On September 1, 1971, Owens was announced as one of six players eligible in a hardship draft by the National Basketball Association (NBA).
[9] Kennedy received a three-page letter from Owens' mother after the accident in which she wrote: "One of the biggest moments in my son's life was your consideration as a hardship case.