Senior guard Trey Duerkson, an aptly-named player who also shot above 40 percent from three-point range last season, will complement the high scoring Columbia frontcourt.

Coach Armond Hill's one question mark will be at the point guard position, as injuries slowed junior Victor Munoz last season, allowing him to start in only 11 games. Fellow junior Derrick Mayo, who replaced Munoz for part of last season, will challenge for the starting position. Also, watch for Maurice Murphy, who could see time immediately in the Lions' backcourt. Newcomer Murphy comes in as one of the top five point guards from Washington.

5. Dartmouth

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Though the Big Green returns four starters, Dartmouth (9-18, 5-9) will feel the effects of losing scoring leader Shaun Gee, fourth all-time in school scoring.

To compensate, the Big Green will burden senior guard Greg Buth with the scoring responsibilities. Buth finished third in the league last year in scoring with nearly 17 points per game. Point guard Flinter Boyd, 11th in the nation in assists last season at 6.96 per game, will distribute the ball to Buth.

However, the remaining starters from last season will be mainly role players. Senior center Ian McGinnis and sophomore forward Vedad Osmanovic form a solid frontcourt.

Dartmouth will receive a boost from the return of redshirt sophomore Charles Harris, who started as a freshman before sitting out last season.

Although ranked poorly by the media poll, expect Dartmouth, with its wealth of experience, to play well in the Ivy League.