Switching his Otago Nuggets' singlet for the red, yellow and black rugby jumper of Zingari-Richmond is a bit like getting back in the ring after the coach has thrown in the towel.
The 2.01m forward has spent three of the past four years racking up loses with the Otago Nuggets, including a 33-game losing-streak, and could face more hard times at his new club.
Zingari-Richmond lost 18 consecutive games last season.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Rowe said.
"But they are definitely improving and are working really hard. It could be our year, you never know."
After devoting most of his energy to basketball for the past seven years, the 20-year-old found he was not enjoying the sport and felt it was time for a change.
"I used to play for fun and now I feel like I'm playing for the wrong reasons and not really having a good time. So I'm taking a year's break and am going to give rugby a crack."
"Brendon Timmins is the new coach [at Zingari] and they are sort of starting fresh, I guess. It is the same situation for me and he was really helpful. Plus they are training now which was good for me because I need to learn everything and be ready to go in time for the season."
Rowe was part of a talented group of players who emerged from the region three years ago and was selected to represent New Zealand at the world under-19 championships in 2009.
Also in that squad were Nuggets team-mates Riki Buckrell and Sam King, who also happen to be Rowe's flatmates.
Walking away from the sport was not at all easy. His flatmates took a lot of convincing before they stopped trying to talk Rowe out of his decision.
"They were supportive of my decision once they knew they couldn't change my mind," Rowe said.
"And I left on a positive note with everyone. It was just too much and I needed a wee breather from it."
Rowe plans to play some club basketball if he can fit it in, and has not ruled out a return to the sport at the elite level.
"I see it as a positive move. If I come out after a year off and am back fizzing and keen to do it again, then it could be a good thing. But I was definitely ready for a change."
Rowe made his debut for the Nuggets in 2008 while he was still a pupil at Otago Boys' High School. The franchise dropped out of the league in 2009 and returned for a winless season in 2010.
Things improved slightly this year with imports Lance Allred and Scott O'Gallagher and Tall Black Craig Bradshaw helping the side break its terrible losing streak and be more competitive.
The outlook for 2012 is rosier than it has been for many years with Tall Blacks Mark Dickel, Leon Henry and BJ Anthony inking deals.
