Temple has made waves early in the season, thanks in large part to the stellar play of Jamal Mashburn Jr. After transferring in the offseason, Mashburn has seamlessly transitioned to the Owls’ system, helping them start the year with a 10-6 record, including a notable win against Wichita State.
Averaging 20 points per game for his college career, Mashburn’s offensive efficiency and leadership have been key to Temple’s success. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new team and conference, his dedication to improvement has allowed him to thrive regardless of the situation throughout his five-year collegiate career.
“I’ve been very intentional with my training,” Mashburn shared. “As a kid, I focused on fundamentals — working on my mid-range game and getting the basics down before moving to advanced skills. That foundation has been huge for me, especially at this level.”
This season, Mashburn has elevated his game even further, becoming a threat from beyond the arc. After shooting 31.7% from 3 last year, he’s now connecting at an impressive 43.8%. It has allowed him to elevate his game, increasing his scoring average by over six points from last season to 20.7 per game, ranking 10th nationally.
The difference? Health and perseverance.
“I played through a lot of injuries last year, including one to my shooting hand,” he said. “Being healthy has allowed me to put in the extra work, and it’s paying off. I feel confident every time I shoot.”
Mashburn’s success, though, isn’t just the result of his own effort. His father, former NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn, has played a crucial role in shaping his career on and off the court.
“My dad is my mentor, best friend and coach, all in one,” he said. “He’s given me advice on every aspect of life, not just basketball. His belief in Christ and his calling has been a constant source of inspiration for me.”
Now, in AAC play, the Owls are focused on staying competitive in the hunt for the regular-season title. For Mashburn, the key lies in maintaining a growth mindset and unity within the team.
“We have to stay together,” he said. “It’s about getting 1% better every day, no matter what happened the day before. If we keep that focus, the results will come.”
Mashburn began his collegiate career at Minnesota as a freshman before spending the next three seasons at New Mexico, playing under head coach Richard Pitino.
Mashburn’s decision to transfer to Temple in the offseason stemmed from the genuine connection he felt with head coach Adam Fisher and the rest of the coaching staff.
“They were very intentional about what my role would look like on the court,” he said. “I appreciated the honesty and transparency — they made me feel like family.”
With a combination of discipline, faith and an unwavering commitment to improvement, Mashburn has become the centerpiece of Temple’s push for AAC success. His journey from high school standout to a leading scorer in college is a testament to hard work, resilience and the importance of staying grounded.
For Temple, Mashburn isn’t just a player — he’s a catalyst, driving them toward a season they hope will end with an AAC title and a postseason run.
