Big news in the world of college basketball: Temple University is making waves with a bold new hire that promises to elevate their men's basketball program to new heights—could this be the secret weapon they've been waiting for?
Temple University's men's basketball head coach, Adam Fisher, made an exciting announcement on Wednesday, revealing the addition of Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree to the staff as the Director of Player Development. For those new to the term, this role is all about nurturing young athletes beyond just the court—think personalized training, skill-building sessions, and mentorship to help players reach their full potential, both athletically and personally.
Cosby-Roundtree's most recent gig was as a video assistant with the Brooklyn Nets, where he dove deep into the high-stakes world of professional basketball. Coach Fisher expressed his enthusiasm, saying, 'We're thrilled to bring Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree onto our team. With two seasons under his belt at the Brooklyn Nets, he's been immersed in championship-level environments and has collaborated with top-tier coaches from his high school days through college and now the NBA. His pro experience, combined with his knack for building strong connections with players and his genuine love for the game, will be an incredible boost for our program.'
During his time with the Nets, Cosby-Roundtree played a crucial supporting role for the coaching team. He handled the nitty-gritty of game preparation by breaking down and organizing video footage, took on scouting duties to analyze opponents, and focused on player development through tailored workouts designed to push each athlete to maximize their skills. It's like being the behind-the-scenes strategist who ensures every player is performing at their peak.
But here's where it gets controversial: Bringing someone with NBA pedigree into a college setting—does this blur the lines between amateur and professional basketball, potentially giving teams like Temple an unfair advantage? Or is it just smart innovation to prepare kids for the big leagues?
Cosby-Roundtree isn't new to Philadelphia's basketball scene or the prestigious Big 5 conferences, which include local powerhouses like Villanova, Temple, Penn, La Salle, and Saint Joseph's. A graduate of Neumann-Goretti High School and Villanova University, he shone brightly as a player. As a team captain at Villanova, he suited up for every single one of the 40 games during the Wildcats' unforgettable 2017-18 national championship run. Beyond that title, this Philly native contributed to Villanova's 2022 NCAA Final Four appearance and helped secure four Big East regular-season crowns plus three tournament wins while he was on the roster. Over his time there, the Wildcats racked up an impressive 134 wins against just 36 losses.
Cosby-Roundtree shared his own excitement about the move: 'I'm grateful to Coach Fisher and Temple University for this chance to join their ranks. Temple Basketball boasts a storied legacy of triumphs, and I'm pumped to return to my hometown of Philadelphia. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work—Go Owls!'
After hanging up his playing shoes, Cosby-Roundtree stepped into coaching at Cristo Rey High School, just a short distance north of Temple's campus. There, he balanced assistant coaching duties with supporting students academically, all while pursuing advanced degrees. For context, Cristo Rey is known for its work-study program that blends education with real-world job experience, making it a great fit for someone passionate about holistic development.
His high school coaching stint at Neumann-Goretti was equally impressive—he guided the Saints to a solid 24-7 record and a spot in the Philadelphia Catholic League championship game. As a senior player there, he averaged 15.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, and played a key role in leading the team to four Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championships during his high school years.
Educationally, Cosby-Roundtree earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Villanova in 2021, followed by a master's in education and counseling in 2023. This blend of academic and athletic expertise positions him uniquely to mentor players not just in basketball, but in life skills too.
And this is the part most people miss: With his deep roots in Philly and proven track record, could Cosby-Roundtree be the bridge that unites local talent and elevates Temple to championship contention? Or might critics argue that his NBA ties could disrupt the pure college spirit?
What do you think—will his professional background revolutionize college basketball, or is it just hype? Do you agree that local hires like this strengthen community ties, or should teams look further afield for fresh perspectives? Share your opinions in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take!
