Along with standout freshman and fellow center, Russell Cross, he helped lead the Boilermakers to a 21–11 record and to a third-place finish in the NIT under first year head coach, Gene Keady.

After Russell Cross left for the NBA after his junior season, Rowinski became the starting center for the Boilermakers.

He is one of three Purdue players to have been awarded this trophy; along with Rick Mount (1969, 1970) and Glenn Robinson (1994) were also recipients.

Although he did not play his drafted season, Jim eventually began his NBA career in 1988 with the Detroit Pistons and on through to 1990 with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.

This biographical article relating to a United States basketball player, coach, or other figure born in the 1960s is a stub.