As the Owls prepare for the 2026–2027 season, men’s basketball Head Coach Adam Fisher and women’s basketball Head Coach Diane Richardson share what excites them about their teams, what makes basketball in Philadelphia special and what fans can expect this year.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Fisher: We’ve put together the roster like a puzzle, adding size, versatility, length and ball handling. We return five players and have added 10 new guys. It was exciting to watch this team come together over the summer, and we’re looking forward to November.
Richardson: I’m looking forward to seeing how this team comes together and builds on what we’ve established. We have experience returning, talented new faces, and a group with great energy and competitiveness. We’ve worked hard to establish a winning culture at Temple, and now the challenge is to keep raising the standard.
What makes playing in Philadelphia—and the Big 5—so special?
Fisher: Being part of the Big 5 is something special and unique to Philadelphia. There’s such a rich tradition, and the Big 5 Classic brings all six universities together in one building with an NCAA Tournament-type atmosphere. Our first year, when we played in the championship, our student tickets sold out. That environment is what playing basketball in Philadelphia is all about.
Richardson: There’s really nothing else quite like Philadelphia basketball. There is so much history, pride and tradition associated with the Big 5, and the Classic gives women’s basketball another opportunity to be part of that excitement. When these Philadelphia schools compete against one another, it means something to players, alumni and fans.
What do you want fans to know heading into the 2026–2027 season?
Fisher: Come with us! We’re going to compete, play with toughness and represent what Temple basketball is all about. We’re going to give our fans a team they can believe in and be proud of. Let’s do this together!
Richardson: Come be part of what we’re building. There is something special happening with women’s basketball, and we want Philadelphia to experience it with us. Bring your family and friends, wear your cherry and white, and help make the Liacouras Center a true homecourt advantage.
