Temple's Jaylen Bond ready to hit the court

The time is now for Jaylen Bond, and Bond couldn't be any happier.

After sitting out last season after transferring from Texas, the 6-7, 225-junior from Plymouth Whitemarsh is finally ready to play for the Temple.

"I can't wait and I'm really looking forward to it," Bond said on Friday, following the Owls' first official practice at McGonigle Hall. "I feel like I've become an all-around better player. I learned a lot while watching and now I just want to play."

Bond will get that opportunity at last when the Owls open the 2014-15 season on Nov. 14 at home against American. Bond, who said he learned a lot by sitting out, and his Owls teammates will be trying to erase the memory of last season's 9-22 season.

Coach Fran Dunphy has already challenged Bond, particularly at the defensive end, where Dunphy wants Bond to make his presence felt immediately at the defensive end.

"I would say the guy we need the most defensively is Jaylen because of his versatility," Dunphy, beginning his ninth season, said. "He can guard basically one through five – he's going to get stuck on a five every once in a while. But he a very, very good defensive player.

"And I'll be honest with you," Dunphy continued, "I think he needs to be a great defensive player." And I think he has that in him."

Bond is just one of a few players making their debuts with the Owls who will be needed to step up and replace departed players such as guard Dalton Pepper (17.5 points per game, 5.1 rpg.) and power forward Anthony Lee (13.6 ppg., 8.6 rpg.).

Junior guard Devin Coleman should help. The Owls, according to Dunphy, will also find out in about a week about the availability of Jesse Morgan. The Owls have petitioned the NCAA for a whole season of eligibility for Morgan, who has graduated.

Dunphy expects these three and 6-8 freshman Obi Enechionyia to make contributions as well.

jmitchell@philly.com

@JmitchInquirer