Temple Team Report

GETTING INSIDE

Here’s one line that will be used one last time: It’s no longer Christmas time at Temple.

Dionte Christmas, the Atlantic 10’s leading scorer is gone, passing the torch on a team that’s won consecutive tournament championships, to senior guard Ryan Brooks and junior forward Lavoy Allen, the team’s only returning starters.

Allen is the leading candidate to take over go-to duties from Christmas, the A-10’s three-time top scorer.

“It is their turn now,” coach Fran Dunphy said. “Ryan and Lavoy are now the two guys that will be looked at closely by opposing teams. They need to provide great leadership for us, but we need everybody to step up, not just Ryan and Lavoy, if we are to be successful.

“With that said, Ryan and Lavoy will have to score and, more importantly, will have to continue to be among the best defenders in the Atlantic 10.”

Argentine native Juan Fernandez, a 6-4 sophomore guard from Argentina, who joined the Owls in midseason, looks to be the heir apparent at the point. He quickly adjusted to the college game, averaging 5.5 points and nearly three assists while splitting time.

Sophomore forward/center Micheal Eric a developing big man, while sophomores Ramone Moore and Scootie Randall will vie to fill Christmas’ big shoes.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Former Temple coach John Chaney will be inducted into the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame this season. Chaney, a member of the Naismith Hall of Fame (2001), will be joined in the Big 5 Hall of Fame Class of 2010 by former Villanova coach Rollie Massimino and former La Salle coach Bill “Speedy” Morris.

• Temple seeks its third consecutive Atlantic 10 tournament championship, something that has not been accomplished since Massachusetts won a record five straight titles in the 1990s.

• The Owls will “turn back the clock” on Dec. 28 when they play their first regular-season game at McGonigle Hall since Feb. 24, 1997. Temple will host Bowling Green.

Last Year:   22-12 overall, 11-5 in the A-10, lost in first round of NCAA Tournament to Arizona State, 66-57

Head Coach:   Fran Dunphy (career 365-206); 4th year at Temple (55-43).

Quote To Note:   “Our non-conference schedule was ranked No. 1 nationally in early January last season and I think we’re heading in that direction again this year.”—Coach Fran Dunphy on Temple’s challenging non-conference schedule.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Scouting The Newcomers:   Temple adds two freshmen into the fold in 6-foot-6 wing Rahlir Jefferson, a strong rebounder and defender capable of playing multiple positions, and 6-3 guard Khalif Wyatt, a big-time scorer.

Key Early-season Games:   As usual Temple will face the country’s best starting with Georgetown (Nov. 17). The Owls play two at The Palestra against Virginia Tech (Nov. 27) and St. John’s (Nov. 28). Villanova (Dec. 13) and Kansas (Jan. 2) visit the Liacouras Center and a road trip to Seton Hall (Dec. 19) is also on tap.

Program Direction:   The Owls are flying high in post John Chaney era. Coming off consecutive second-place finishes in the Atlantic 10 regular season and two straight tournament titles and NCAA berths, the Owls will again compete for the top spot in the conference.

Probable Starting Lineup:   G Juan Fernandez, G Ryan Brooks, F Rahlir Jefferson, F Lavoy Allen, F Craig Williams.

Roster Report:  

• F/C Michael Eric from Nigeria is a 6-foot-11 project, but if he can be a valuable depth player if he can stay take on more minutes and stay out of foul trouble.

• G Juan Fernandez joined Temple on Dec. 26 yet quickly became an integral member of the Owls, logging 19.6 minutes. Now he’s prepared to take over as the starting point guard.