Ivy League Basketball has been known to bring us some exciting finishes within the league and some teams capable of pulling off NCAA Tournament upsets. What does the conference look like heading into 2019-20?
In Ivy League Basketball last season, Harvard looked like the team that would represent the conference in the NCAA Tournament. After beating a talented Yale squad twice, nobody thought Yale would be able to grab the bid. The two met for a third meeting in the Ivy League Championship, and Yale ultimately captured the Ivy League crown and the trip to the dance.
It was certainly an exciting finish within the Ivy League. I do not expect this year to be much different. In fact, this year may be even more exciting. Harvard and Yale will both be competitive once again, but they will have company this time.
Princeton has lost some key pieces from last year’s team, but nonetheless, they are returning some great guys and have the experience necessary to make the league even more competitive. These guys are hungry to join Harvard and Yale’s party towards the top.
The Pennsylvania Quakers will be solid this year as well. Pennsylvania last took the Ivy League crown back in 2018, then went on and gave Kansas a scare in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Just like Princeton, Pennsylvania returns plenty of key guys as well.
These four programs leading the others in the Ivy League may ultimately be what happens, but let’s not forget about the rest of the league. There is plenty of talent and a few teams that finished toward the bottom of the conference will take steps in the right direction.
A look into the Ivy League rankings is one that worthwhile due to the fact that upset talk often accompanies the Ivy League Champion as it heads into the NCAA Tournament for a shot at a high-major.
Now here we go! Here are the Ivy League Preseason Rankings!