Tyrekus "A.J." Bowman is the face of Augusta State men's basketball. He is a senior All-American forward. He's earned that honor.

Last season, Bowman led the Peach Belt Conference in scoring and was named the league's player of the year. He helped guide the Jaguars into the top-25 poll for the first time in three decades. Bowman also helped lead Augusta State to the Division II Tournament.

But when Bowman left the team two months ago with a heart ailment, Augusta State was forced to find a new identity.

"It allowed us to realize we can't rely on one player," sophomore guard Daniel Dixon said. "A.J. is a huge part of our team.

"(But) he told us it's not all about him. It's about that 'ASU' on our chest. It's about getting that 'W.' "

This season, Augusta State has proven to be more than just a one-man wrecking crew. The sixth-ranked Jaguars (2-0) play their home opener against Johnson C. Smith (2-0) at 4 p.m. today at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

In a season-opening win at No. 15 Montevallo, Dixon poured in a career-high 27 points. One night later, junior center Garret Siler recorded a career-high 30 points in an overtime victory over Florida Southern.

Bowman, who underwent a procedure in late September to repair three holes in his heart, returned to the team a week before the season began. He came off the bench the first two games to post 15 and 13 points, respectively.

"We're a team and A.J. would say the same thing," Dixon said.

So far, Siler is leading the team in scoring (21.0 per game) and rebounding (11.0). Sophomore guard Ben Madgen, last season's conference freshman of the year, is second on the team in scoring (17.5) and is followed by Dixon (15.0) and Bowman (14.0).

Coach Dip Metress said not having Bowman for the two exhibition games against the College of Charleston and Clemson helped players find their own identities.

"Guys had to play more minutes and had some chances to do some things," he said.

Augusta State makes it tough on opponents who have to respect Siler. At 6-foot-11, 306 pounds, Siler gives the Jaguars something many Division II team do not have -- size at the center position.

After leading the nation last season with a 68.9 field-goal percentage, Siler is dominating again. He is shooting 79 percent from the field (19 of 24). Siler's also recorded eight blocks.

Because teams focus on Siler and Bowman, Augusta State guards get more open looks from the outside. The Jaguars are shooting 43 percent from three-point range and 53 percent overall. Madgen, Dixon and Bowman all are shooting 46 percent or better.

Guards Steve Smith and Demetrius Howard have yet to get on track, but each shot 40 percent or better from the perimeter last season.

"It does make it easier for us," Madgen said. "It's only going to give us open shots if they're focusing on Garret and A.J."

Metress credits Bowman and Siler, as well as the rest of the team, with being unselfish.

"A.J. is going to get his shots up," Siler said. "But we're going to get our shots up as well."