Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

By Holden Walter-Warner

Mar 14, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Houston Cougars players and coaches celebrate as confetti falls after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats in the American Athletic Conference tournament final at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Houston Cougars players and coaches celebrate as confetti falls after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats in the American Athletic Conference tournament final at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Khalif Battle Temple Owls (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Khalif Battle Temple Owls (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

454. . . . Owls . 5. team

When Temple started last season 1-3 after two losing seasons, it seemed like Aaron McKie’s days at his alma mater could be limited. But the Owls quickly turned around the ship and fought to a top-five finish in the AAC, which they’ll hope to achieve again.

First, they’ll have to cope with the loss of guard Jeremiah Williams, who left to ostensibly replace Tyrese Hunter at Iowa State. He started 21 games for the Owls last season and averaged 9.5 points and 4.3 assists per game, the latter ranking fifth in the AAC.

The biggest reason Temple has a shot at team success once more is Khalif Battle. He still doesn’t get enough attention nationwide, but the guard is one of the best players in the AAC. He missed most of last season with a foot injury but led the conference with 21.4 points per game prior to the injury.

After Battle, the Owls have a lot of sophomores ready to step up to the plate, which could bode very well for the team’s future. Hysier Miller, Damian Dunn, Jahlil White, and Nick Jourdain fill out the top part of the team’s rotation. All of those players are sophomores.

Still, this team will go as Battle goes. If he’s healthy and playing like he was at the start of last year, Temple is a legitimate AAC title threat. Without that, the Owls will probably languish somewhere near the lower half of the pack. There may not be a more clear-cut reliance on a single player in the entire conference this season.

Temple’s postseason drought will hit four years by the time March rolls around. This could be the year the Owls are worth giving a hoot about come the NCAA Tournament.