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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 12: Jose Morales /

3. Princeton Tigers

2016-17 result: 23-10 (14-0) – #12 seed in NCAA tournament, lost in first round

After going undefeated last season in conference play, the Tigers are much more vulnerable this time around. Since arriving in town in 2011, Mitch Henderson has solidified Princeton’s place either at or near the top of the Ivy League.

While the offense wasn’t spectacular, the defense overwhelmed their Ivy counterparts last season. Plus, having the conference Player of the Year in Spencer Weisz didn’t hurt matters either.

But the Tigers have to not only replace Weisz, but the leading scorer Steven Cook as well. Add quality role player Hans Brase to the list of players who have left and the Tigers have some work to do.

Myles Stephens and Devin Cannady, both juniors, are double-digit scorers who will have to shoulder the scoring load a bit more. The good news for the program at large is that this team is set up to consistently make the top four at the very worst.

Princeton could very well become repeat champions, as that defense will still cause problems for everyone else. Ivy League programs are not suited to replacing high-level talent without suffering a drop-off, though, and there’s a good chance Princeton lost too much to remain on top.