Tests inconclusive; Owens out '97-98 Owens, a sophomore from Audubon, N.J., looked to be an integral player this season. At 6'11'', the center amassed 2.36 blocks per game last season. That mark was good enough for second-best in the Ivy League. "A lot of who he is, is through basketball," Penn coach Fran Dunphy said. "He is a very important part of our team, and he is devastated by it, as are the rest of our players." Owens is said to have a hypertension-related problem; this deals with abnormal blood pressure, however the specifics of Owens' condition are still unknown. For this reason, Owens will not play the year, but will continue to search for the answers with long term hopes of playing for the Quakers again. "Because it is his life, we are most concerned about, we are going to proceed with caution," Dunphy said. "We're all supportive of him, and hopefully he'll make a recovery." For now, the Quakers will need to find a big body to fill the center position vacated by Owens. The health of Owens will be on the minds of all involved while the season progresses. --Kent Malmros
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