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Temple Owls

24-8, 13-3 Atlantic 10 (1st)
Team RankingPTS/GOPP PTS/G
Atlantic 10 Conference75.0 (2nd)69.5 (10th)
Division 127th100th
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Owls report: Strategy and personnel

 
Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes · Getting inside
 

THE GOOD NEWS
Temple's second and third leading scorers, forward Lavoy Allen and guard Ryan Brooks, will both be back giving the Owls a balanced nucleus to build around. Allen improved immensely in his sophomore season and started to realize his potential as both a scorer and rebounder. Brooks had the best 3-point shooting percentage on the team and will be asked to be more of a leader now that he will be a senior.

With Semaj Inge gone, Juan Fernandez will handle things at point guard. He had half a season to learn Dunphy's system after arriving at Temple from Argentina and will get the summer to bond with his teammates and get even better during off-season workouts.

To hopefully help replace the scoring production of Christmas, Temple added 6-3 shooting guard Khalif Wyatt to the squad. The Owls also signed versatile 6-6 swingman Rahlir Jefferson, who can score, rebound and handle the ball.

THE BAD NEWS
Temple will definitely miss seniors Dionte Christmas, Sergio Olmos and Semaj Inge for their production and leadership. Coach Fran Dunphy played only seven guys against Arizona State, and the team didn't have much depth in any area.

Christmas was not only the team's best scoring option, but he was also Mr. clutch in late game situations. He quietly demanded the ball and knew that he had to take the big shots and -- make them -- with the game on the line. The Owls will miss his ability to suck defenders and open things up for his teammates.

Olmos wasn't a very flashy or dominant center, but he was skilled and effective. At 7-feet, Olmos could clog the middle and turned out to be a decent rebounder. He shot 55.2 percent from the field.

Like Olmos, Inge wasn't spectacular, but he was very good at running the team. He had 122 assists and 74 turnovers. Most of all, he was poised under pressure.

KEY RETURNEES
After Temple lost to Arizona State, Christmas announced that next year's team belongs to Ryan Brooks. The 6-4 guard led the team in 3-point shooting and should have more room to operate and drive to the basket now that Christmas isn't an option. The light bulb switched on in Lavoy Allen's head midway through the season and Temple was a much better team because of this. Allen wasn't very aggressive against Arizona State, even though there were times he could've used his athleticism to get to the basket, but he will hopefully hit the weight room to get stronger this summer so that he can play with more confidence. He made 4-of-7 shots against Arizona State for 11 points and should've had more.

ROSTER REPORT

--G Ryan Brooks will be Temple's second leading returning scorer with 10.6 points per game. He shot above 40 percent from the field and behind the arc, good numbers for a guard. The Owls will need the senior-to-be to have an increased scoring role next season.

--G Juan Fernandez appeared in 23 games off the bench last season. He averaged 5.5 points and 2.7 assists per game. The Owls will need him to fill the shoes of Semaj Inge. Fernandez is capable because of his ability to shoot the ball, his crafty mid-range game and good instincts, but he needs to improve his footwork to become a better defender.

--F Lavoy Allen is immensely talented. He led the Owls with 9.0 rebounds per game and will be the leading returning scorer at 10.9 ppg. He needs to understand his role and learn how to dominate games because he has the skills and athleticism to do so.

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Audio & Video Coverage

TEMPLE vs. SAINT JOSEPH'S
February 25, 2012 7:00 PM ET

TEMPLE vs. LA SALLE
February 22, 2012 7:00 PM ET

GEORGE WASHINGTON vs. TEMPLE
February 8, 2012 5:45 PM ET

at Temple
January 21, 2012 10:30 AM ET

 
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