MacDonald, an explosive offensive force, averaged 11.0 points and 8.1 rebounds last year.

Burr will also be watching newcomer Miranda Craigwell, who was the first player in her high school to score 1,000 points. Craigwell will benefit from McDonald and Larkin's guidance.

Maloni's accomplice in the backcourt, Rada Pavichevich, also runs a fluid offense. Her ballhandling and defensive abilities complement Maloni's skills nicely. Pavichevich averaged 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last year.

Erin-Kate Barton is the leader of Brown's rich forward ranks, but she will vie with new faces for playing time this season. Described by scouts in high school as nearly impossible to defend, 6'1 freshman Nyema Mitchell will push Barton for playing time. Their battle for minute will be the subject of much scrutiny.

Columbia

Even though Columbia has little chance of winning the Ivies, don't be surprised if the Lions foil the postseason plans of a few other teams in the league.

The Lions' hopes for a championship season were crushed when 6'3 sophomore Shaunte Edmonds, who had averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game during her rookie season, decided to leave the team.

Its league opponents, however, should remember that Columbia has always relished the role of the surprise spoiler, shocking both Penn and Harvard last season while both teams were grappling for position atop the league.