If Austin & Co. can stake Columbia to an early lead, the Lions may surprise some people this year.

“When they get you down, it’s hard to claw your way back because they play smart defense,” Harvard junior guard Elliott Prasse-Freeman says.

Columbia has not had a winning record since 1992-93. But last year’s Lions team won eight of its final twelve games and lost each of the others by five points or fewer. Thus, this season could be a breakthrough one for Columbia. In fact, it had better be; with five of the Lions’ top six players being seniors, it might be their last chance for a while.

Yale

Coach: James Jones, 3rd year (17-37)

Last season: 10-17, 7-7 Ivy, t-4th

Key additions: Edwin Draughan, G, 6-5, 190; Jerry Gauriloff, C, 6-9, 225

Key losses: Neil Yanke, C, 6-11, 250 (12.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg); Isaiah Cavaco, G, 5-10, 170; Bill Parkhurst, C, Jr.; Tom Kritzer, F/C, 6-10, 250

Probable starting five: Chris Leanza, G, 6-1, 180, Jr. (13.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg); Draughan; Ime Archibong, G/F, 6-3, 215, Jr. (9.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg); T. J. McHugh, F, 6-8, 230, Jr. (3.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg); Paul Vitelli, F/G, 6-7, 210, So. (5.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg);

At a glance: It’s no secret to anyone that Leanza is the centerpiece of the Bulldog offense. Last year, the Honorable Mention All-Ivy selection led the team in scoring, assists and minutes played. He did it all without even practicing, as he tried to baby his injured shoulder which had undergone unsuccessful experimental surgery over the off-season. Unfortunately for Yale, he went under the knife again this off-season, sidelining him until January, although he should return for the start of the Ivy campaign.

Six-foot freshman guard Alex Gamboa will step into Leanza’s slot in the starting lineup, but it’s another freshman—the highly-touted Draughan—and Archibong who will need to pick up the slack in Leanza’s absence.

Losing Kritzer and Second-Team All-Ivy selection Yanke, the team’s twin towers, has dealt a significant blow to the Bulldogs’ inside presence. But they’re hoping that once Leanza returns, he and Archibong, who combined for 41 points in an 85-83 overtime victory at Harvard last year, should combine with Draughan to score points in bunches from the perimeter.

Dartmouth

Coach: Dave Faucher, 11th year (116-146)

Last season: 8-19, 3-11 Ivy, t-7th