Another Year, Another New Core: Temple Men’s Basketball Season Preview
How can you tell fall is really here? The leaves start to turn, the air has a nice chill, the NFL is in mid-season and the AP dropped their first Top 25 College Basketball poll of the 2026-27 season.
College hoops are almost here, and the cherry and white are gearing up for another season. And just like last season, the Owls are coming in with another new core.
2025-26: Leave it in the Past
The Owls’ ended the 2025-26 season at 16-16. But, no one expected the season to play out the way it did.
Temple sat at 15-8 and were third in the conference, looking at a potential bid in the big dance if they kept it up and won the American. Then, the Owls lost seven of their last eight games, including their first round American tournament loss to Florida Atlantic.
Offensive and defensive inconsistencies, blown leads; everything but the kitchen sink. Despite the struggles, there were bright sides last season.
Guard Derrian Ford averaged over 18 points per game, ranking fourth in the American, and was named to the All-American third team.
Guard Gavin Griffiths became a fan favorite from his ability to score and by his recognizable goggles; given the moniker, “LeBron Frames”
Sophomore forward Aiden Tobiason took a leap from his freshman year, and averaged 15.3 PPG, which was a 10.5 increase from his 4.8 in his freshman year.
The Offseason: Who’s gone?
The American was depleted in the transfer portal. The Owls only had five returning players out of a 15 man roster.
“I saw a stat on [American conference] media day, that I think only 21% of the league returned,” said head coach Adam Fisher. “So for us to have those five guys back…we’re excited.”
The Owls were one of those teams poached for their players. Center Jamai Felt (Little Rock), guard AJ Smith (Georgia State), and forward Babatunde Durodala (Ball State) all entered the portal. Guards Masiah Gilyard and Jordan Mason ran out of eligibility.
Tobiason entered the portal shortly after it opened. He announced his commitment to Syracuse via Instagram. Tobiason had the most minutes played and led the team in steals, adding to his ability as a complete player.
The Offseason: Who’s new?
The Owls brought in 10 new faces; nine transfers and one high school recruit.
Their lone high school recruit is Father Judge’s own, Derrick Morton-Rivera. Morton-Rivera was a three-star recruit and ranked third in the state of Pennsylvania, and the 25th ranked shooting guard prospect according to 247Sports. The Philadelphia native also broke Father Judge’s all time points scored record last February. (via Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools)
The Owls transfer class is highlighted by USC transfer guard Jordan Marsh. Marsh came off the bench in all 28 of his games last year but still averaged 7.2 PPG for USC.
“Jordan Marsh is electric,” Fisher said. “He can do some things offensively, and then defensively he can get past you. Like he can just get in here and turn you.”
Marsh is ready to help the team win and hopes that he can play a big role for the team.
“My role this year, hopefully, could be bigger [than coming off the bench], and help the team win,” Marsh said.
Something the Owls lacked last year was another big man outside of Mohamed Keita, who is a returner this year, so what did they do?
They went and got more size.
The Owls plucked 7’1” Christian Beam (Georgia State) and 6′ 10” Sir Issac Herron (Louisiana Tech) from the transfer portal to give Keita some support. On top of Marsh, the Owls grabbed two other standout guards in Cam Scott (South Carolina) and Dez White (Oregon State).
Fisher brought in some depth pieces; forward Baboucarr Njie (UTSA), guard Jason Drake (Indiana), guard Dallis Dillard (D2 Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and forward Edwin Suarez (Weber State).
Who’s Back?
It was announced in early September that Ford was granted a fifth year of eligibility, and heading back to North Broad.
When Ford wasn’t drafted this past June or offered a G-League contract, he knew Temple was where he wanted to be.
“Temple or nothing,” Ford said. “Temple was my last school, and the only school that I really felt was for me.”
The Owls retained Griffiths, center Mohamed Keita and guards Cam Wallace and Olin Chamberlain Jr. For his senior year, Griffiths is honored to try and bring Temple basketball back to greatness.
“Just having the opportunity to try and reach that level of greatness that Temple once had is really a privilege.” Griffiths said.
Ford and Griffiths were named to the preseason All-American second team in early October.
Notable Games
The Owls have 31 regular season games scheduled.
The season kicks off at home on November 2nd against Central Connecticut State. The Blue Devils were 18-12 last year and finished second in the Northeast conference.
The Owls travel to The Palestra in November (vs Richmond) and December (vs St. Bonaventure) to honor the 100th year of the Cathedral of College Basketball.
November 15th, the Owls will travel to La Salle to face the Explorers for their first game of Big 5 pod play. December 1st, the Owls will welcome the Villanova Wildcats for game two of Big 5 pod play.
On December 5th, the Owls will head to Xfinity Mobile Arena where they will play in any one of the three placement games for the Big 5. The Owls lost a heartbreaker in the third place game last season against St Joseph’s on a buzzer beater three-pointer to seal their fate in fourth place.
Everything from December 30th and on will be conference play, as the Owls kick off conference play down in Houston against Rice.
Wait and See
Just like last season, it’s nearly a complete new team. The pre-season American poll has them finishing ninth. Will it be a disappointment? A surprise? Just what we expected? We shall see.
The Owls will tip off on Monday, November 2nd right here on North Broad Street at 6:30 P.M. Stay tuned for coverage of all things Temple basketball through WHIP Sports!
