Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played for Dobbins Technical High School and was a McDonald's All-American in 1979. Owens played collegiately for the Rhode Island Rams, where he ranks seventh on the school's all-time scoring list. He was an honorable mention All-American and first team All-Atlantic 10 selection during his senior season. Owens was drafted by the New Jersey Nets as the 44th overall pick of the 1983 NBA draft. His rights were traded to the Philadelphia 76ers during training camp that year and he was one of the team's last preseason cuts. Owens never played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).