AT A GLANCE

It took a three-way playoff last year to figure out what should have been established during the regular season—Penn was the best the Ivies had to offer. The Quakers dawdled around during the early portion of last year’s league schedule just enough to make things interesting in 2001-02, but they’re the clear favorite this season. Aside from having two legitimate NBA prospects in its all-Ivy frontcourt tandem of Onyekwe and Archibong, Penn boasts Toole, the league’s best point guard and the team’s glue. A deep bench means that freshman Freidrich Ebede, a Rookie of the Year favorite on most other Ivy teams, will have to work just to earn playing time.

YALE

Coach James Jones (38-48, 3 seasons)

LAST SEASON 21-11 (11-3, tied-1st, lost playoff)

Key additions Dexter Upshaw, Juan Wheat.

Key losses None.

KEY RETURNEES Alex Gamboa; Edwin Draughan; Paul Vitelli; T.J. McHugh; Ime Archibong.

AT A GLANCE

The clock continues to tick on Jones’ remaining days at Yale. The more Yale continues to climb the ranks, the more his stock continues to soar. In the meantime, Yale—with all five starters back, plus captain Chris Leanza—figures to contend again for the Ivy title ... Draughan was the most highly touted freshman coming into last season, but it was Gamboa who walked away with the award as the league’s top rookie. Still, Draughan is considered to have the bigger upside and this could be the year he really starts to flourish ... McHugh emerged as a reliable option for Yale at the center position down the stretch last year. Between him, Vitelli and Archibong, the Elis own one of the more balanced frontcourts in the Ivies.

PRINCETON

Coach John Thompson III (32-22, 2 seasons)

Last SEASON 16-12 (11-3, tied-1st, lost playoff)

Key additions Scott Greenman; Michael Kawalak.

Key losses Mike Bechtold; Ahmed El-Nokali; Dominic Martin; Tom McLaughlin.