Temple Men’s Basketball team had an impressive run last season, nearly making it to the NCAA Tournament after a strong finish in both regular season and conference tournament games. Despite losing their top three scorers, the team made significant additions with new transfers and recruits.
Head coach Adam Fisher has set high expectations for the team this season, aiming to continue building on the progress made last year. The Owls have been picked to finish sixth in the AAC preseason poll, a significant improvement from being ranked 12th the previous year. However, Fisher remains focused on the team’s development and chemistry rather than preseason rankings.
While the team has shown improvement, it is important to note that building chemistry between new and returning players will take time. With key players like Jamal Mashburn Jr. stepping into new roles and Lynn Greer III facing a suspension for the first nine games, there are challenges to overcome. Guard Shane Dezonie will need to step up in Greer III’s absence, but his playmaking abilities may not fully match up.
Zion Stanford, who played a crucial role in the team’s success last season, will need to find more consistency in his performance throughout the upcoming games. Temple is undoubtedly a promising team with a young roster and a coach looking to establish a new legacy.
Coach Fisher emphasizes the importance of unity and teamwork for this year’s squad, highlighting the unique opportunity they have to make an impact together. As the team navigates through the challenges of a rebuild, it will be essential for players to invest in their collective success and work towards a common goal.
Temple fans should remain optimistic about the team’s potential but also realistic about the time and effort required for the new lineup to reach its peak performance. With a focus on growth and cohesion, the Owls are poised to continue their journey towards success in the upcoming season.