By Melissa Stoltz
LSU Sports Information
Garrett Temple graduated from University High School on Louisiana State University’s campus, and then walked across the street to add to the success of the “Temple” name in LSU basketball.
After a hard-working redshirt freshman season Temple became the third member of his family to start a game at LSU against Southern on Nov. 18, 2005, as his father Collis Temple, Jr., played for coach Dale Brown in the 1970’s, and his brother Collis Temple III played for current head coach John Brady from 1999-2003.
In almost keeping with family tradition, Temple wears number 14 switching the number, 41, that his dad and brother both wore while attending LSU.
“I just switched it up a little,” Temple said. ” I had 41 in high school, and I just wanted to switch it up.”
Temple is increasingly becoming known as one of the toughest defenders in the Southeastern Conference. This could very well be because he knows defense is the strongest part of his game and he takes pride in that fact.
Temple said his redshirt season gave him the opportunity to learn from experienced players like former Tiger Antonio Hudson and current teammate Darrel Mitchell.
“I had to guard guys like Darrel Mitchell last year, and he had to teach me a couple of things because I used to reach a lot,” he said. “I still reach a little bit, but now I get a couple of steals because I’ve learned how to do it a little better.”
The Baton Rouge native started this season’s first nine games at the off guard position. He then came off the bench to play 15 minutes against Cincinnati and has returned to the starting lineup since that point. He has earned his minutes playing against some of the best scorers that opponents have to offer, playing no less than 35 minutes in 10 of the Tigers’ last 11 SEC games.
Temple credits his father with the best advice he was given prior to the first start of his collegiate career.
“My father gives great advice. He just told me to be calm,” Temple said. “He said that I have a great opportunity in front of me, and don’t be nervous. He said just be calm and play my game and don’t force anything.”
Temple said that the most important thing that he has been taught about basketball he also learned from his father.
“The most important thing is to be a team player,” he said. “When I was younger I played on teams that had a lot of talent so I really didn’t have to score a lot and I started becoming an unselfish player. I think that is a big attribute of mine, being able to get my teammates involved.”
This year’s young team has a special chemistry that many say stems from the fact that four of the five starters grew up together in, or nearby, Baton Rouge. Temple attended University High School with sophomore Glen Davis. Tyrus Thomas went to McKinley High School just down the road and Tasmin Mitchell grew up in nearby Denham Springs.
These four players along with the experience of senior Darrel Mitchell have proven that teamwork can lead to great success.
The young Tigers, who are 16-7 on the season and 8-2 in the SEC, lead the conference’s Western Division and are just one game back in the overall league race. For their efforts they were elevated back into both national polls on Monday.
Individually, Temple has been impressive in SEC action, hitting 26-of-59 shots from the field, while adding 28 rebounds, 35 assists and 17 steals.
Temple, who is continuing to find his touch on the offensive side of the ball, credits much of his success to his teammates who have helped him gain more confidence.
“I’m gaining confidence in my jump shot,” he said. “I know I can shoot the ball and my teammates give me more confidence.”
Temple is just beginning to make his mark in LSU basketball history, but he has big goals for his career while at LSU.
“My goal is to get an NCAA Championship,” he said, “And to leave here with people saying that I was one of the best defenders to come out of LSU.”
With the way things are looking thus far it seems as if Temple will have little trouble reaching those goals.