Since Jamal Mashburn Jr. arrived on North Broad Street, he has done nothing but impress.
The graduate transfer from the University of New Mexico sits second in the nation and first in the American Athletic Conference at 22.1 points per game. Now Temple’s standout guard is starting to get national attention.
Mashburn was named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy midseason watch list by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association on Monday. He was named national player of the week by the USBWA on Tuesday.
The USBWA compiled a list of 50 players in consideration for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, awarded to college basketball’s national player of the year.
Mashburn has been a focal point of the Owls offense this season, providing a much-needed spark. He is averaging 25 points in AAC play and upped his overall shooting percentage to .436 from the field.
In his last two games, Mashburn scored a career-high 34 points in Temple’s double-overtime win against Charlotte on Jan. 29 and led the Owls to another overtime win against East Carolina on Feb. 1, scoring 32 points. He made 52.6% of his shots from the field in those two matchups.
The Owls (14-8, 6-3 AAC) will visit South Florida (11-11, 4-5) on Thursday (7 p.m. ESPN2).