Athletics

Temple 2007-08 Preview  

    Changing from one system to another is difficult in any sport. When that system has been in place for nearly a quarter of a century, as was the case with Temple men's basketball, it is a very slow process.

    Fran Dunphy, who led to Pennsylvania nine NCAA Tournaments in 17 years prior to his arrival at Temple, had the unenviable task of taking over the reins from Hall of Fame coach John Chaney. The new Owl mentor, who amassed 310 wins at Pennsylvania, brought with him a traditional man-to-man defensive scheme, forgoing Chaney's match-up zone, and an up-tempo offensive system that replaced a methodical, ball-control style of play.

    Temple's backcourt prospered under the new offense. Junior Dionte Christmas (20.0 ppg.) and senior Mark Tyndale (19.4 ppg,) became the first teammates in Atlantic 10 history to finish the year ranked first and second in the league in scoring. Tyndale, an honorable mention All-Conference selection, improved his field goal percentage from 39.3 percent as a sophomore in 2005-06 to 53.9 percent last season, good for fourth in the Conference. In addition, he was one of one of only two players in the league to rank among the top 20 in scoring, rebounding (6.7 rpg.) and assists (2.83 apg.). Christmas, a second-team All-Atlantic 10 honoree, was named the league's Most Improved Player as he increased his scoring average by 16.5 points.

    The Owls welcome back junior guard Semaj Inge (4.5 ppg.) and senior Chris Clark, who dished out a team-high 75 assists and committed just 25 turnovers while averaging 17.5 minutes per game. Sophomore Ryan Brooks (3.1 ppg.), who scored a career-high 15 points versus Saint Joseph's in the opening round of the A-10 Championship, also returns to provide depth on the perimeter.

    Two other newcomers, 6-2 guard Martavis Kee (19.0 ppg.) and 6-8 forward Craig Williams (25.0 ppg.), also join the squad. Kee will challenge for time at point guard while Williams is a developing frontcourt player.

    The Owls will once again play a demanding schedule which features the always tough Atlantic 10 Conference, four games against Mid-America Conference teams and non-conference home dates with Villanova and Duke and road games against defending NCAA Champion Florida and Drexel.