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#54 Temple Owls
Atlantic 10
2004-05: 16-14, 11-5,
2nd East
2004-05 postseason:
NIT
By
Joel Welser
Coach John Chaney
returns to the sidelines at Temple with a spot in the NCAAs on
the line. The Owls return plenty of talent, but the newcomers
will have to fill in off a slim and unproven bench.
Who’s Out:
Wilbur Allen was the only player expected to leave Philadelphia.
Allen only played in nine contests, averaging a mere 0.3 points
per game. The unexpected transfer of Keith Butler will hurt the
frontcourt. Butler wasn’t a dominating big man but he did start
20 contests and averaged 4.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
The absence of Butler will make Temple small and shallow in the
frontcourt and put a lot of pressure on the returnees Wayne
Marshall and Antywane Robinson to carry the load and stay out
foul trouble.
Who’s In:
Sergio Olmos will feel the brunt of
the burden in the frontcourt. The 6-10, 220 pound Spain native
will see his first action in 2005-2006. Olmos has international
experience, but it remains to be seen if he can provide a big
impact immediately for the Owls. Dionte Christmas, a 6-5 wing,
is a tremendous scorer who will develop into a go to player
before his days at the Liacouras Center are over. He isn’t a
dominating player but will always hustle and play a role for the
Owls. Semaj Inge will fill in behind the talented backcourt of
Mardy Collins, Mark Tyndale and Dustin Salisbery. Inge, at 6-4,
is more of a two guard, but can handle some minutes running the
point. The late addition of Anthony Ivory will help the
frontcourt immensely. The 6-10, 300 pound center will fill in
nicely behind, and alongside, Wayne Marshall.
Who to Watch:
With Mardy Collins, Temple has a
legitimate shot at the A10 title and a trip to the NCAAs.
Without Collins, any trip to the post season would be tough. As
a junior last year Collins averaged 17.5 points, 5.9 rebounds,
3.6 assists and 2.8 steals. Collins isn’t a great shooter,
hitting just 27.6% from long range and 64.4% from the charity
stripe, but he’ll get to the basket and finish with the best of
them. If Temple makes it to the NCAAs, it will be on his
shoulders.
Projected
Conference Rank:
The top of the A10 is tough and the
loss of Butler knocks the Owls down to 5th place and
just missing out on an NCAA bid. Behind Mardy Collins and Mark
Tyndale, Temple is talented enough to make a run for the big
dance, but the frontcourt depth will cause major issues down the
stretch. Coach Chaney has the ability to make a small team
extremely effective and will need to do so.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected Starting
Five:
Mardy Collins, Senior,
Guard, 17.5 points per game
Dustin Salisbery,
Junior, Guard, 10.4 points per game
Mark Tyndale,
Sophomore, Guard, 12.5 points per game
Antywane Robinson,
Senior, Forward, 8.2 points per game
Wayne Marshall,
Junior, Center, 6.6 points per game
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