Irvine Valley men's basketball coach Jerry Henandez announced that freshman guard Devin Owens is headed to NCAA Division II Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Wash.
Owens, a former star player at Northwood High in Irvine, was a starter and team leader as a freshman during the 2019-20 season with the Lasers.
COVID halted the next season.
Owens missed the 2021-22 season with an injury, but Hernandez has praised the star guard for his determination.
And he is ready to get back to work and strive.
"Devin can play all over the floor. He is so versatile, we missed him this past year," Hernandez said. "He can shoot it, handle the ball, get to the rim and then really defend on the other end.
"Our staff is really excited that he gets another opportunity. And we know what DO can do."
Owens played in 28 of 30 games and averaged 6.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game duing the 2019-20 season for IVC.
He helped Irvine Valley to a record of 17-13 overall.
Owens scored in double figures in eight games, including a season-high of 21 points in Irvine Valley's 101-70 Orange Empire Conference victory over Golden West at home on Jan. 3, 2020.
The Lasers ended up reaching the CCCAA South Regional Playoffs.
IVC went in as a No. 20 seed and pulled off a 67-64 upset win at No. 13 Chaffey in the first round.
Irvine Valley challenged Santa Monica in the second round, but fell, 53-46, at West LA College on Feb. 29, 2020.
Owens is headed to a Saint Martin's squad led by coach Aaron Landon. The Saints shined last season and had a record of 18-9 overall.
He joins Luc Krystkowiak, Aaron Strings, JT Robinson and Josh Walker as players moving on to four-year schools for the Lasers.
