Ivy League Basketball: Predicting the standings for the 2017-18 season

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 12: The Princeton Tigers hoist the championship trophy after the win against the Yale Bulldogs in the Ivy League tournament final at The Palestra on March 12, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Princeton won 71-59. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

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SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 8: Darryl Smith /

6. Cornell Big Red

2016-17 result: 8-21 (4-10) – No postseason

The next three teams are relatively interchangeable. As for Cornell, the program has a player who could single-handedly drag them to the conference tournament.

Matt Morgan led the league in scoring last season with over 18 per game. He would’ve been in the Player of the Year conversation had his team performed better. He brings back another double-digit scorer in Stone Getting, the team’s leading rebounder, as well.

The reason why the Big Red isn’t higher on the list is due to having one of the worst defenses in the league. Although they could hit 3-pointers at a high a rate, the opponents usually shot better. Unless the defense vastly improves, then a shot at the top four is unlikely.

Head coach Brian Earl is in his second season working on an effort to rebuild the program back to the same level as the top three. While the results haven’t looked too great yet, there are positive signs for the future.

Morgan and Getting are both juniors, meaning that next season could be a great one. Having second-team All-Ivy player is a great way to make a splash towards the top.