Temple BlogSwap

We have had a bunch of blog swaps for basketball, but not so many for basketball.  College football seems to have a bigger following in the blogosphere, and many of the blogs are just football-only or football mostly.

Of course, things are different at Temple.  Notwithstanding their recent success in football, and I am very much rooting for them to spank UCLA, they are known primarily for basketball.  They play in a competitive A-10---and it looks to be even more competitive this year than normal.  So, this all comes from Dave at The Owls Nest.  Dave is a huge Owl fan with a great blog, and I recommend you check it out.

I asked him six questions.  He gave me six answers.  (My answers to his questions can be found here).

1. The game is being played at McGonigle Hall, which is not Temple's normal home floor. What impact do you think that will have on the game?

- The entire theme of playing in McGonigle Hall and wearing the old jerseys are part of bringing back and recognizing the success Temple University Basketball has had. Before the Liacouras Center was even built, M.H. was the home of some of the best basketball teams in Temple history. I think this will have more of an effect on the fans than it will the players, though it will be neat to see and feel the atmosphere.

2. Your team is 9-2 against one of the 10 toughest schedules in the nation. Do you think this team has the capacity to make a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 run?

- It's very early to say, although the Owls have played a number of talents this year. Playing talent and quality teams outside of the conference allows you to get an understanding of what kind of team you are on a nationwide scale. Temple has had the opportunity to play several teams from the Big East, the Big Ten, ACC, and soon the Big 12. The solid idea of this team I believe will come Jan. 2nd when Temple host #1 Kansas. The Owls are predicted already as an NCAA Tournament invite, but personally I feel it's way too early to make these types of predictions. It's a great sign when you are playing good games against the Villanova's and Georgetowns of college basketball though!

3. Your offense is interesting. On balance, it has been just OK, but you had some pretty good games against Siena and the MAC teams, but especially against Villanova. What has separated big offensive games from lesser games.

- I believe it really comes down to the team getting into a good groove or flow. When several players are able to contribute or make plays, the Owls have been able to find multiple ways to score or continue the momentum. Unlike previous years, Temple's success has been based off of the team's overall effort instead of counting on one player to contribute. Generally, the guard play has been the key to the Owls' success-- if the guards are able to find their own shots, it opens up even more opportunities for the bigs down low. The momentum the team builds and the contributions from several players are what have determined how our team plays.

4. Much like the Falcons, you are clearly a team that wants to be hard to shoot against. What is the defensive style for your team? Is trap/pressure incorporated?

- One of the keys to Temple's success on the defensive side of the floor is that the Owls are able to hold their opponents to one-shot possessions. Defensive rebounding is key in having a lockdown defense because the offense is put in a position where it is score right away or bust. TU's guards play up close and personal at times, and do not give way and allow guys to beat them to the hoop. The problems the Owls force come from the half court defense, and the trouble forced on just half of the timeline.

5. You seem to have three players who are your primary scorers and playmakers. Give us a little preview about to expect from them.

Juan Fernandez - The point guard of this offense. He can beat you on the dribble, or pull up and hit the jump shot. He has been more willing to shoot the ball recently with his performances against Villanova and Seton Hall. His ability to see the floor presents a lot of problems for defenses as well because he is such a great passer.

Ryan Brooks - A great shooter and rebounder. Expect Brooks to break down his man and be the guy to pull up for the jumper. He will also get out on fast breaks and push the ball up the floor. Brooks somewhat resembles what was done with former Temple guard Dionte Christmas-- coming off the screen to get a nice look at the basket.

Lavoy Allen - He has a very powerful inside presence, and can score from almost anywhere on the floor. Even at 6'9", Allen is not afraid to step off the block and take a shot from the foul line. When he has the ball, he is physical on the post up and has a dangerous turn around score. He is Temple's best rebounder on both sides of the floor.

6. Philadelphia probably has the best and longest standing college basketball tradition of any city in the US. Is college basketball still woven in the fabric of Philly?

- College basketball still remains to be a big tradition in the city of Philadelphia. The Big Five continues to thrive, regardless of where the games are played. The Palestra is known as "The Mecca of College Basketball", and is still one of the best atmospheres for a college hoops game. Many players on these teams are still from the local Philadelphia area, and understand what it means and what brand of basketball Philly brings.