Stephen A. Smith: Dunphy building his own legend

When you're assigned to succeed a legend, winning is the first priority. When the person you're following is John Chaney, it's an entirely different challenge altogether. Except for when you're a legend yourself.

Fran Dunphy would disagree, of course. That's just the nature of this relatively mind-mannered coach. He doesn't want attention, accolades or individual awards.

"It's about the kids, this program, what Temple University represents," Dunphy said. "That's where the focus should be. It's where it should always be."

No. 17 Temple (26-5) is getting ready to pursue yet another Atlantic Ten Conference crown for Dunphy, who was named A-10 coach of the year Sunday. Yesterday, Dunphy was named as a finalist for the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award.

But the coach is willing to chill in the background as the Owls return to national prominence.

John Chaney is gone. He has been since the end of the 2005-06 season, but he has never been forgotten. On Saturday, he left the Liacouras Center floor, hugging Dunphy and giving his vote of approval. Dunphy won't let him be forgotten.

"John is Temple," Dunphy said. "He's a treasure in this community, in this city. I love him so much. He's the reason why I'm here."

Dunphy alluded to the 32-day search that Temple's athletic director, Bill Bradshaw, conducted in 2006. Nearly 100 coaches applied for the job, but Bradshaw found the top candidate close to home at Penn.

"I refused to be considered as a candidate until I called and received [Chaney's] blessing," Dunphy said.

Chaney's faith has been rewarded. Dunphy's Owls have won back-to-back titles in the A-10 tournament, and they added the Big Five crown this season.

Dunphy's Penn teams made nine appearances in the NCAA tournament - in an Ivy League environment in which players do not receive scholarships.

"He is understated and underrated," Bradshaw said before Temple beat George Washington on Saturday afternoon. "But he's not underappreciated. He's the quintessential Philadelphia basketball coach. He's perfect for Temple, just like we knew he'd be."

Bradshaw pointed out that Dunphy played at Malvern Prep, then La Salle College, which climbed the national rankings in the late 1960s.

That was the beginning of Dunphy's Philadelphia basketball resume. The latest entry is his 81-48 record with the Owls.

His skills have molded the games of Ryan Brooks, Juan Fernandez, and Lavoy Allen into a formidable crew that has been climbing the national rankings. He has upheld the standard established by Chaney, who visited the NCAA tournament 17 times and compiled a 516-252 record in 24 seasons.

"I wanted Temple to stay the course, to have somebody filled with integrity, someone who knew what this school, this city, was all about," Chaney said.

"Temple is a place filled with no violations. No cheating. We've never had cheating. We've had a loyal school, with loyal kids. This school is sixth all-time in wins out of 300-plus schools, and it has a tradition of giving kids a chance. It's why I came."

Ultimately, that's why Dunphy is here, as well.

"It's been a terrific change for me," Dunphy said, explaining the transition from Penn to Temple. "I love the mission of Temple. It's a school for the everyman. There's the honor students, the at-risk kids and everybody in between.

"Temple gives opportunities to a lot of different people. I've got a couple of kids on this team who are at-risk kids, and they're going to graduate at some point, because here's Temple saying: 'You're a part of us. We're going to take care of you. The village is going to take care of you.'

"It's just wonderful. Just another experience in my lifetime that I'm very, very grateful for."

It's no wonder that people are grateful to have Dunphy on North Broad Street. The legendary Chaney's program is in good hands.