Ivy League Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

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 11: Jackson Donahue #5 (C) and the rest of the of the Pennsylvania Quakers erupt after a three point basket during the second half of the Men’s Ivy League Championship Tournament at The Palestra on March 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn defeated Harvard 68-65. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

3. Pennsylvania Quakers

2017-18 season results: 24-9 (12-2) – NCAA Tournament First Round

While most of the teams in the Ivy League last year relied on a couple of players to provide the scoring load, it was the Quaker’s balance that gave them to edge to win the conference. Four players averaged between 10.2 ppg and 14.3 ppg, while another two added around 7.5 ppg. They were an elite defensive unit as well, ranked second in the nation in three-point percentage allowed in 29.5%.

The top two players return in rising juniors AJ Brodeur and Ryan Betley, who combined to produce 27.4 ppg and 12.2 ppg. However, the other two double-digit scorers in Darnell Foreman and Caleb have graduated and moved on. Penn should have players set to fill in for them, including Max Rothschild in the frontcourt and Antonio Woods projected to be elevated to the starting lineup as a point guard.

The Quakers have some intriguing new pieces coming in as well, including three-star recruits Michael Wang (forward) and Bryce Washington (guard). Then there’s Mark Jackson, a 7’3 redshirt freshman who completed a two-year Mormon mission. Penn has a solid rotation of returning players but these newcomers will help the program stay near the top of the Ivy in future years. The defending champs took a slight hit but will still be formidable for the 2018-19 season.