ST. JOSEPH, Mo. –  "A model of consistency and a proven winner."
 
Those are a just few common phrases to describe Brooks McKowen, who was announced Tuesday as the seventh head men's basketball coach in Missouri Western history.
 
"Having watched Brooks coach while we both were in the NSIC, there was something about him and the way his teams played which caught my attention," said MWSU Director of Athletics Andy Carter. "He is a winner and his teams play with such energy and toughness."
 
McKowen comes to MWSU from Upper Iowa University, where he spent 12 seasons guiding the Peacocks, amassing a 209-148 career record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Upper Iowa competed for 10 years in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference before moving to the Great Lakes Valley Conference the past two years.
 
McKowen's teams have won at least 21 games in three of the previous four seasons, including a 21-9 mark in 2024-25, a 22-10 record in 23-24 and a program best 26-6 season in 21-22. The Peacocks have posted winning seasons in 10 of McKowen's 12 years on the sidelines. Known for their trademark fast-paced brand, the Peacocks have averaged at least 80 points per game in each of the last 12 seasons.
 
"I am incredibly honored and excited to join Missouri Western and am thankful for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program," McKowen said. "I look forward to bringing an exciting and up-tempo style of play to our city. My family and I can't wait to be a part of Griffon Nation."

"I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Brooks during the process as he shared his vision for Griffon Men's basketball and I am fully confident in his ability to move our program forward," Carter said. We welcome Brooks, his wife Amanda and their family to St. Joseph."
 
Prior to UIU, the Fairbank, Iowa native spent two seasons as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Minn. 
 
A 2007 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, McKowen was a four-year letter winner at point guard, ranking second all-time in assists and fourth all time in minutes played. Playing for head coaches Greg McDermott and Ben Jacobson, He helped lead the Panthers to three 20-plus win seasons and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Following graduation, McKowen spent three seasons (2007-2010) on the coaching staff at UNI, while earning his master's degree in physical education and coaching.
 
The Fairbank, Iowa native also holds the Iowa state high school record for both points in a season (1,002 in 2003) and points in a career (2,831 from 2000-03). 
 
Brooks and his wife Amanda have four children: Kahler (8), Banks (6), Kelik (4) and Lanik (2). 
 
The McKowen family will formally be introduced in a press conference on Friday, March 28^th at 11:00am in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited to attend. 
 
 
 
 
What Others are Saying…
 
"Brooks has been a winner since I first met him as a 16-year-old kid. His passion for the game and ability to connect with the young people is incredible. He will bring championship-level basketball to Missouri Western in the near future."
 
-Greg McDermott, Creighton University Head MBB Coach
 
 
"Great hire! Brooks has done a terrific job as a head coach. His teams play fast, they play hard and are fun to watch. Having recruited and coached Brooks, I know that at his core he is a 'team-first,' competitor and winner. I look forward to following his MWSU Griffons."
 
-Ben Jacobson, University of Northern Iowa Head MBB Coach
 
 
"Brooks taught me how to adapt to every roster we had, coach every player differently to fit them, and give ultimate confidence and freedom to his players. He is a dream coach for a player and I loved learning from him for three seasons!"
 
-Matt Fletcher, Concordia St. Paul Head MBB Coach and former UIU assistant
 
 
 
"Coach McKowen is a proven winner. He has developed three different cycles of guys into title contenders during his time at UIU. His teams play with a different intensity and pace. Our family is very thankful for Brooks and Aamanda. They are caring people who genuinely connect with others. Missouri Western made a 'home run hire' that will make a huge impact."
 
-Brad Bigler, Southwest Minnesota State Head MBB Coach