Bowman John Heiden (born August 7, 1967)[1] is an American-Swedish former professional basketball player.
Heiden attended Martinsburg High School in Martinsburg, West Virginia,[2] before enrolling at Bucknell University, where he studied electrical engineering.[3] As a member of the Bucknell Bison men's basketball team, the 6'9'' (204cm) forward, averaged 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds a contest during his four-year college career (1985 to 1989). As a senior, Heiden scored 11.9 points a game while pulling down 6.8 rebounds per contest.[4] During his four years at Bucknell, Heiden had a 3-point field goal percentage of .431 (59–137) and a free throw percentage of .849 (197–232). He set a school record by hitting 39 consecutive free throws in the 1986–87 season. He received Academic All-America honors in 1987 (All-District II), 1988 (Second Team) and 1989 (Second Team).[5]
Heiden played professionally in Sweden (KFUM Jämtland Basket, Kvarnby Basket, Plannja Basket), Belgium, Germany and Spain. While at Jämtland from 1993 to 1995, he formed a high-scoring duo with Canadian Gerry Besselink, both were later considered among the best import players in team history.[6] Heiden scored a total of 1762 points and grabbed 569 rebounds for the Jämtland squad.[7]
Heiden, who was granted the Swedish citizenship during his playing career,[8] won the 1999 Swedish National Championships with Plannja.[9] With Plannja he also participated in the European competition Saporta Cup.[1] Prior to the 1999–2000 season, he signed with Orange Oostende of Belgium,[10] playing in the domestic league as well as in the FIBA Korać Cup.[1]
In the 2000–01 season, Heiden was signed by German Bundesliga outfit SSV Ratiopharm Ulm. He made seven Bundesliga appearances for Ulm[11] and also had a short stint at Spanish second-division side Badajoz Caja Rural that season.[12] Heiden retired from professional basketball in December 2001.[13]
Heiden, who earned university degrees in engineering, technology management, and economics, started a career in knowledge-based business. He worked as the innovation director for the Qatar Science & Technology Park and became the co-director of the Center for Intellectual Property and program director of the interdisciplinary master’s program at the Sahlgrenska School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Gothenburg, Sweden.[14]