I Bleed Blue and White

Following after Wednesday night beatdown of The Hawk, Dave from The Owls’ Nest contacted me about a possible Q&A. Haven’t done one of these since since Dayton, and I was anxious to get back to it. Temple is a storied Philly program who I respect, and despite my displeasure with the Dionte Christmas billboards last year, I agreed to do a little exchange. Below are Dave’s answers to my questions!

Chris (IBBW): Now that Dionte Christmas has moved on from the program, is there another player ready to assume that role as the star? Is is this Owls team going to share the wealth?

Dave (TON): Thus far, the team has gone on to share most of the wealth, as you said. Players like Lavoy Allen, Ryan Brooks, and Juan Fernandez have now had opportunities to learn to utilize their game to better the rest of the team. Since the departure of Dionte, we’ve seen a lot of the divvied up style of play, where any player can explode on any given night to take control. Depending on the teams the Owls play decides really who the player that has the most success is. This year has truly ben more of a team effort, though.

Chris (IBBW): You’ve held the opposing team to 50 points or less in over half your games thus far. What do you attribute this amazing defensive run to?

Dave (TON): There are a number of player that have stepped up on the defensive side of the ball. The team has a nice unity, and we’re seeing more and more of man to man defense. The players have focused so much on their defensive responsibilities, that they can trust one another in covering their own men. At the same time, the Owls have done a nice job with team defense, and helping out when a player gets beat, or might be in a mismatch. Because of this unison, Temple has been able to do a tremendous job on the defensive side of the ball.

Chris (IBBW): Give me that one player that Villanova fans need to keep their eye on on this Sunday.

Dave (TON): Lavoy Allen. I believe Temple needs to develop and establish a post game against this somewhat guard-oriented ‘Nova team.  If Allen is able to make himself known early, there could be problems for the Wildcats. Lavoy’s diversity alllows him to post up a defender, as well as pop out for a jump shot. On the rebounding side of the ball, Allen has done a tremendous job in keeping the Owls alive on offense, as well as get a quick stop on defense. He is a key to holding Villanova to as minimal opportunities as possible.

Chris (IBBW): I’m not very familiar with the A-10 landscape this year outside of Dayton and Xavier. Where does Temple project and what are your hopes of getting back to the Dance this season?

Dave (TON): Several teams that usually are projected at the top of the conference have taken significant hits because of graduation. This has allowed some of the younger teams in the past develop and take congrol. In Temple’s case, we’ve been fortunate to have a player or two step up year in and y ear out to make up for playmakers that have moved on. I believe the Owls once again will have a great chances to win the A-10 tournament, but it’s not going to be easy with the number of competitive and talented teams there are this year.

Chris (IBBW): Since you asked me how Villanova will handle the Owls’ great D, how do you think Temple will attempt to slow down the frenetic pace the Cats have been scoring at lately?

Dave (TON): Temple has been forced to play against almost any type of offensive scheme, one of which being the fast break. Against St. John’s, the Owls needed to deal with the same type of play, except for the fact that the Red Storm brought in fresh legs every whistle. Temple’s defense is going to have to keep the intensity as always, but at the same time keep up with the fast pace that Villanova favors. The biggest problem in this case might be the big men; they are going to need to work hard to get down the floor and stay with the flow of the game, without getting quickly fatigued or in foul trouble.

Chris (IBBW): Give me a prediction for the game. Do the Cats sweep the Big 5 again or does Temple pull off the upset that has people talking for weeks?

Dave (TON): Without favoring, I do believe this game is going to be close. It’s too difficult for me to choose a winner, as much as I want to pick the Owls, because VU is such a talented team. I will, though, predict that this game goes down to the sire, and it will come down to whoever’s defense is able to hold up the longest. If either team can force the other to quickly give up possessions, they will have the advantage. There’s going to be a lot of talent on the floor, and it will be interesting to see who is able to take the helm and control the game. This is going to be a fun 40 minutes.

Thanks again to Dave for this! Make sure you visit The Owl’s Nest and give him hell before the game!