Can Princeton Basketball Reclaim Its Historic NCAA Tournament Glory This Season?
I still remember the first time I walked into Jadwin Gymnasium back in 2015. The banners hanging from the rafters told stories of Princeton's golden era - those legendary NCAA tournament appearances in the 90s when Pete Carril's teams became the stuff of basketball folklore. As someone who's followed Ivy League basketball for over a decade, I've always believed Princeton's 1996 tournament victory over UCLA remains one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history. That 43-41 defensive masterpiece against the defending champions perfectly encapsulated what made Princeton basketball special.
This season feels different though. After watching Princeton struggle through the early conference games, I noticed something shift during their recent comeback victory against Harvard. The team that had been playing somewhat disjointed basketball suddenly found its rhythm in the second half, executing with the precision we haven't seen since their last NCAA tournament appearance in 2017. Coach Mitch Henderson put it perfectly in the post-game press conference when he said, "Winning this game the way we did tonight has supplied us with some momentum. Hopefully we could carry that against Australia." While the Australia reference seemed unusual - perhaps a slip of the tongue referencing their upcoming international tournament - the sentiment captured exactly what this young Princeton squad needed: belief.
The question hanging over this program is whether Princeton basketball can reclaim its historic NCAA tournament glory this season. Looking at their current 18-7 record and their position atop the Ivy League standings, the pieces are certainly there. Senior guard Matt Allocco has developed into one of the most efficient players in the conference, shooting 48% from the field and 42% from three-point range. But statistics only tell part of the story. What I've observed watching them navigate this season is how they've managed to blend modern offensive concepts with the traditional Princeton offensive principles that made them famous. They're still running those backdoor cuts that made Carril's teams so lethal, but they're also taking 24 three-point attempts per game - a significant increase from the 18 they averaged just three seasons ago.
Where they've really impressed me is their defensive adaptability. In their recent 72-68 victory over Yale, they switched between man-to-man and zone defenses with seamless precision, something I haven't seen from an Ivy League team in years. This versatility could prove crucial if they make the tournament, where they'd likely face teams with superior athleticism. The challenge, as I see it, isn't whether they can win the Ivy League - they're clearly capable of that - but whether their style can translate to success against power conference teams in March. The modern NCAA tournament has become dominated by programs with NBA-level talent, making it increasingly difficult for mid-majors to replicate the success Princeton enjoyed during their golden era.
What gives me hope is their non-conference performance this season. They took Duke to overtime at Cameron Indoor Stadium - a game they probably should have won if not for some questionable officiating down the stretch. That performance demonstrated they can compete with anyone when their system is clicking. The way they moved the ball against Duke's pressure defense reminded me of those classic Princeton teams, recording 22 assists on 28 made field goals while committing only 8 turnovers. Those numbers are remarkable against a team of Duke's caliber.
Still, I have concerns about their depth. Their starting five might be the best in the Ivy League, but their bench production has been inconsistent. In tournament settings where foul trouble becomes a factor, this could prove problematic. I'd like to see Coach Henderson give more minutes to freshman phenom Alex Brown, whose defensive energy could provide a spark off the bench in crucial moments. The kid reminds me of a young Brian Earl with his court vision and basketball IQ.
The road ahead won't be easy. With tough matchups against Cornell and Penn still on the schedule, Princeton needs to maintain the momentum Henderson referenced. The Australia comment, while perhaps unintentional, speaks to the global nature of modern basketball and how programs like Princeton need to think bigger than just their conference. They're scheduled to participate in an international tournament in Melbourne this summer - evidence that the program is thinking globally while competing locally.
As someone who's witnessed Princeton's basketball evolution over the past fifteen years, I genuinely believe this could be their best chance to not just make the tournament, but to advance beyond the first round. Their blend of experienced leadership, tactical sophistication, and newfound offensive firepower makes them a dangerous potential Cinderella story. The question of whether Princeton basketball can reclaim its historic NCAA tournament glory this season ultimately comes down to whether they can translate their Ivy League success to the national stage. Based on what I've seen this season, I'm leaning toward yes - provided they stay healthy and maintain their defensive intensity. The ghosts of Princeton's past are watching, and this team seems determined to add another chapter to that storied legacy.
