Temple relying on Fernandez

When Juan Fernandez joined the Temple men’s basketball team two years ago, in the middle of the season, he was just trying to fit in.

Now, the junior guard has become one of the best players on the roster. And the reeling Owls (3-2 overall, 0-0 A-10) will rely on Fernandez to help get them to their fourth-straight NCAA tournament.

“I was playing shooting guard last season, so it’s been tough to transition back, but I’m doing well,” Fernandez said. “I am comfortable playing point guard. With the talent on this team, it’s nice. I’m excited about this season.”

Fernandez poured in a career-best 33 points in a huge win against Villanova last season. But he’s not so concerned with numbers, only wins.

“We won as a team last season, and that’s how we need to be this season,” Fernandez said. “We have the players here to do it again and go back to the NCAA tournament. We have to start now and go one game at a time. I’m confident if we stick to our plan, we’ll be fine and we’ll win a lot of games. Winning is the most important thing.”