Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: The conference runs through UConn and Cincinnati

By Carmine Carcieri

Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie cuts the net defeated the Memphis Tigers 72-58 to win the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie cuts the net defeated the Memphis Tigers 72-58 to win the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Temple Owls head coach Fran Dunphy reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Temple Owls head coach Fran Dunphy reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Temple Owls

2015-16 record: 21-11 overall, 14-4 AAC, lost in NCAA Tournament 1st round

Head coach: Fran Dunphy

Key returning players: Obi Enechionyia, Josh Brown, Trey Lowe (to red-shirt because of spine injury), Daniel Dingle, Shizz Alston, Jr.

Newcomers: Four-star SG Quinton Rose, three-star PG Alani Moore, three-star C Damien Moore, JUCO SG Isaiah Lewis

Because the Owls lost a majority of last year’s team that won the AAC regular season title and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, a massive downfall is expected this year.

The Owls are losing a ton of leadership and experience, as guard Quenton DeCosey (15.9 points per game, tops on the team), forward Jaylen Bond and guard Devin Coleman graduated in May. DeCosey, in particular, was the leader of the roster. His efficiency, rebounding ability and shooting touch was one of the main reasons why Temple was so successful in 2015-16.

On top of the departures, Temple has been decimated by injuries already.

The Owls opted to redshirt guard Trey Lowe this season after the 6’6″ sophomore suffered a spine injury in a car accident. He will maintain three years of eligibility, but was expected to make a jump in 2016-17.

Senior guard Josh Brown underwent surgery on an Achilles injury this summer and it is unknown as to if he will be able to participate at all this season.

Brown is one of just four seniors on the Owls’ roster. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 2015-16, showing off his ability to have an all-around impact on games.

Now it’s up to Obi Enechionyia and a plethora of role players to help Temple avoid an embarrassing, disappointing campaign.