Olin Chamberlain Jr. Grateful to Play at Temple as a Preferred Walk-On: 'Iron Sharpens Iron'

A Legacy of Basketball and Leadership

Olin Chamberlain Jr. has vivid memories of playing basketball at Temple University during his childhood. At the time, he was in elementary school and recalls being sent to a week-long camp at the university by his great uncle, Claude Gross. The long commute from his home in Harleysville was worth it for Olin, as he cherished the experience.

“I just remember loving it,” said Chamberlain. “It was so exciting. I got to meet new people. I think that’s what the city of Philly can really do for basketball, or just in general, you make connections that can help you along the way, and great friends and great people.”

His family has deep roots in the Philadelphia community. As a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep, Olin is the grandnephew of local basketball legends, including Claude Gross and Wilt Chamberlain, a former 76ers star and Hall of Famer. This connection to the area played a significant role in his decision to stay local and play college basketball for the Owls.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Olin’s parents, Michelle and Olin Sr., emphasized the importance of exploring other interests beyond basketball during high school. This mindset influenced his approach when choosing a college and deciding on a major. He wanted to be seen as more than just an athlete.

“I never want people to think of me as the basketball guy, I want them thinking, ‘Hey, that’s a great guy over there. He knows how to talk to people correctly. He’s a funny guy,’” Chamberlain Jr. said. “I want people to think of me as a well-rounded person. Growing up, my parents always gave me that path to do what I wanted to do, I was very fortunate to have my parents be my biggest supporters.”

At St. Joseph’s Prep, Olin served on the student council for three years and participated in school plays. This experience helped him develop leadership skills and a strong sense of community. This fall, he plans to major in legal studies at Temple’s Fox School of Business.

A Strong Foundation at Temple

Temple University offers a unique combination of academic excellence and a storied basketball program. For Olin, this made it the ideal choice.

“Temple has one of the best business schools in the country, and Temple’s basketball program is one of the best ever, one of the winningest programs ever,” Chamberlain said. “I thought it was a great culture and just great overall.”

While staying close to home and having friends in the program will make the transition easier, Olin is already preparing for the challenges of college basketball. He has begun summer practices with the Owls and noted that the college level is “way more intense” compared to high school.

During his senior season with the Hawks, Olin averaged 10 points and three assists. He is joining Temple as a preferred walk-on and is grateful for the opportunity provided by head coach Adam Fisher.

Embracing the Challenge

Chamberlain acknowledges that the expectations at the college level are much higher. “There’s absolutely no plays off,” he said. “In high school, you may be able to get away with maybe taking a play off here and there, hands on the knees because you’re tired, but it’s really none of that in college. You got to give 100% every single time or you feel like you’re letting the team down, and you never want that. Iron sharpens iron.”

As a point guard, Olin hopes to continue making plays for his teammates while also contributing off the court. He values confidence and leadership, which he believes are key traits for success both on and off the court.

“If someone’s not going hard in practice, I think I have enough confidence to let him know,” Chamberlain said. “I’m also going to be the first person that’s going to say ‘great shot, keep doing what you’re doing,’ being encouraging to others. Being that type of guy in the locker room, it really helps a lot of teams win games.”

Looking Ahead

Olin’s parents have instilled in him the belief that “the basketball stops bouncing eventually.” This perspective keeps him focused on his academic and career goals alongside his athletic aspirations. He is determined to build a future beyond basketball.

Olin aspires to become an estate planning lawyer or a sports agent. “I could be going to school with future mayors, presidents, attorney generals, that’s the benefit you get when you go to a school like Temple that has such a great business program,” he said. “I love helping people, and I love being around people, and I love talking to people, and I think [being a sports agent] would be a great opportunity to stay in the game of basketball, which I love, while also trying to help people accomplish what they want to accomplish.”