Tennessee Temple University Basketball Reloads

Coach Tempelton's Crusaders Face Tough Season

  • Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Four players from the Crusaiders last years 23-9 squad will not return for the 2006-07 season. Thousand point scorer Josh Jones and steady Danny Lancaster both graduated last May. Ryan Wadley and George Lemonakis both will finish up in December.

Coach T. says “We loved having those four guys the past four years. They all contributed so much to the program- on and off the court. Their character is a measuring stick for our new players. We are really happy to them complete their education. Tradition never graduates but we will miss seeing these guys on an every day basis. Every one of them is such a blessing to the school and to me personally.”

Recruiting season got off to a good start in April with the signing of two junior colleges transfers both out of Chattanooga State Community College. Leroy Bluing the 6’1” Nashville native will add a great deal of athleticism to the Crusader backcourt. He will be a presence on the defensive end of the floor. Curtis Porter is a local standout from Ooltewah High School. The 6’5” Porter brings speed to the front court. He also has the ability to step outside and know down shots.

In May, Coach Templeton signed 6’2” Chris Goodwin from Nashville, TN, Chris played his senior year at Hendersonville Christian Academy. Chris has a quick release and is automatic from downtown. His shooting ability will immediately make him a weapon for the Crusaders.

The final signee of the year was 6’8” Walters State transfer Tony Irvin. Tony was the high school teammate of Crusader point guard Elmar Kuli-Zade. They were prepped under Coach Troy Allen at Hillsboro High School in Nashville, TN. Elmar and Tony led the Burros to a 31-5 record and a trip to the AAA State final four. Tony will be an immediate presence inside for the Crusaders. It looks like the final piece to the puzzle is set and the Crusaders are looking for another strong season.

This year’s crusaders will face arguably the toughest schedule in the history of the school. “We will face four NCAA I opponents as well as numerous NAIA powerhouses” says Coach T. “We look forward to the challenge. If we survive we will certainly be battle-tested for the tournament.”

TTU was 23-9 last year. “We graduated some talented players last year and have two more graduating early in December. We still feel if our chemistry is good we can be a tough out in March.”

Early season tests with the University of the Cumberlands and Lee are extremely tough opening games. The crusaders play an exhibition against UT-Chattanooga at the McKenzie Arena on Saturday, November 4. November will also see TTU take on Jacksonville State (Nov. 11), Samford (Nov. 14) and Eastern Kentucky (Nov. 21).

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