Valeri Guevarra — DP Sports editor
Men’s Basketball — No.4 in the Ivy League
Nearly the bottom of the Ivy League to an Ivy Madness berth is a big jump, but if one team could do it, it would be Penn men’s basketball. Coach Fran McCaffery and the wealth of expertise on his staff are undoubtedly a difference-maker. However, I have to give credit to the returning and incoming freshman players for braving the unknown and changes through the coaching transition. This collective grit, alongside more competitive practices and increased film-watching, will be very valuable for the team to sharpen its skills and execution. Last year, the team lost four games by three points or less, and that comes down simply to better execution. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Red and Blue finish lower due to the growing pains, but my prediction is optimistic, especially with pieces like transfer junior forward TJ Power and 7-foot freshman forward William Kruse.
Women’s Basketball — No.4 in the Ivy League
Penn women’s basketball has a bit of a different story but a similar ceiling. The last two seasons for the Quakers have ended the same — an Ivy Madness semifinal appearance and finishing with an overall record of 15-13. I think this season will be more of the same regarding the former, but it is going to be the Quakers’ place to lose. The gap between the top three in the league — Columbia, Harvard, and Princeton — and fourth is large. With Penn’s primary scorer currently unknown after the graduation of star Stina Almqvist, I don’t see Penn coming close to that trio. If junior guard Mataya Gayle or a combination of consistent scorers can fill in those shoes, I see Penn’s ceiling as finally locking up an Ivy Madness berth outright instead of leaving it up to head-to-head records or NET rankings like the last two seasons.
Justin Lee — DP Sports editor
Men’s Basketball — No. 3
Last season was a hectic one for the Red and Blue, culminating in a seventh-place finish and Steve Donahue’s departure. But this season, I believe the Quakers will pull through, and a big part comes from the experience in the incoming class, which includes Power — a former five-star high school recruit who began his collegiate career at Duke — freshmen guard Payton Kamin and forward/center Dalton Scantlebury. The McCaffrey era, however, will be defined by a flowing offense with returning Quakers. Senior guard/forward Ethan Roberts will look to lead the front court, and I count on the strong incoming class for a shot at an Ivy Madness berth.
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Women’s Basketball — No. 4
I believe that while the incoming class of Penn women’s basketball is strong, it still won’t be enough to make up for the team’s losses. The team will have big shoes to fill from the graduation of Almqvist, who finished her career with 1,100 points and 500 rebounds. I was impressed with the team at the Red and Blue Scrimmage with the sister duo of freshman guard Ruke Ogbevire and junior guard Ese Ogbevire being two players to watch. I think the Quakers will have another shot at the Ivy League championship this year.
Hannah Chang — Deputy Sports editor
Men’s Basketball — No. 4
New year, new start, and a lot of unknowns. How will McCaffery turn around this Penn team that ranked seventh in the Ivy League last season, which lost key players over the offseason? Will Power be able to play? Will McCaffery’s faster style of play really translate to wins or just to chaotic lapses of defense?
The team is aware of these questions, but they still seem excited, determined, and united. And for that reason alone, I’m optimistic for the season. It’s a breath of fresh air for the team and fans, and sports is a mental game. It might take a few games for the team to find its footing, but with the expertise that McCaffery and his staff bring to the team, a strong mental game, and hope, which should never be underestimated, I don’t expect Penn to be close to second to last this year.
Women’s Basketball — No.5
The team’s leading scorer last season, Almqvist, is now playing professionally in Europe, and she leaves big shoes to fill. Gayle and sophomore forward Katie Collins will have to do the heavy lifting of leading the offense. The team has been playing through Almqvist for so long that it might take them some time to find a way to get their offensive game flowing. I see them trying to find new ways to create space and drive to the basket or be more consistent with their shot-making. I don’t doubt that they will be able to do so, but I wonder how quickly it will take to find an offensive flow and confidence.
Tyler Ringhofer — Deputy Sports editor
Men’s basketball — No. 1
This is their year. While that might come as quite a surprise to those outside of Penn, not shocking to the ones inside the locker room. The belief has been building for months, and now the Quakers are ready to show that they are the No. 1 team in the Ivy League.
This may seem like an unrealistic prediction on face value, but I believe the Quakers got something this offseason that will drastically change the direction of the program — a new coach with a new philosophy. While the departures of two of their top three scorers — Nick Spinoso and Sam Brown — may seem like a major blow, players can be replaced. Culture cannot.
At Iowa, coach McCaffery was known for his high-powered, fast-paced offenses that thrived in transition — a style that couldn’t be more fitting for a Penn team that has the necessary speed, energy, and athleticism to compete with any team. These traits, however, have been underutilized in recent years, something that McCaffery looks to unlock this season. With sizable wings like Power, along with returning contributors who can stretch the floor and run in transition, Penn finally has the personnel to thrive in a faster system.
The preseason rankings may be against Penn, but doubt is nothing new for this group. It may take time for the group to gel, but I believe the Quakers are ready to roll. Is it an ambitious prediction? Maybe. We will just have to find out.
Women’s basketball — No. 2
Building on an Ivy League tournament appearance last season, I expect the Quakers to be just as, if not more, formidable this season. With Collins continuing her rise and Gayle providing a steady hand, Penn is right where it needs to be to contend for an Ivy League title.
Last year, the Red and Blue came up just short of upsetting Columbia in the Ivy League tournament. In fact, the Quakers went toe to toe with the Lions in their first matchup of the season in New York City, before Columbia ultimately put them away. The experience from these games, along with their returning core, makes them a serious threat to finish at the top this time. Although the loss of Almqvist will hurt, the Quakers still have the following top two scorers in Collins and Gayle, who will give them firepower night in and night out.
With experience and depth, the Quakers have the tools to make a championship run.
Conor Smith — Deputy Sports editor
Men’s Basketball — No. 4
In the first year of McCaffery’s tenure, I predict that Penn sneaks into the last spot of Ivy Madness. The X-factor for the Quakers will be Power, given that he is good-to-go by the start of Ivy play. While there is a lot of justified excitement around Power, Penn fans really do not know what they are getting out of the former five-star recruit. Power played sparingly at Duke and Virginia, failing to play to his ranking. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, but from what I’ve heard from those around the team leads me to expect a return to form for Power. If he is even half the scorer that he was projected to be coming out of high school, Penn will boast the best scoring duo in the Ivy League between him and Roberts.
Women’s Basketball — No. 4
While finishing fourth would be considered a success for the men’s team, it would prove more of the same for Penn women’s basketball. It would mean that the team was unable to take the next step to compete with the likes of the conference’s premier programs. Penn is not Princeton, Columbia, or Harvard — yet. Over the past two seasons, despite making Ivy Madness both years, the Quakers are 1-13, including tournament games, against these programs. Expectations should be high for a team that boasts back-to-back Ivy League Rookie of the Year winners, and for this season to be considered a success, Penn needs to break into the Ivy League’s upper echelon. I don’t think this is the year, though. The team lacks a strong number one scoring option and is already dealing with injuries at the guard position. The team will still be fun to watch, though, and I am excited to see the development of the team’s strong sophomore talent.
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