2024 Ivy League Tournament Preview & Conference Awards

CBB Review prepares you for every conference tournament leading up to Selection Sunday on Mar. 17. Up next: Ivy League Tournament.

The last league to introduce conference tournaments as a way to an automatic bid, the Ivy League tournament is abbreviated, yet posts some great basketball in the sports capital of New York City.

Uniquely, only the top four teams play in the Ivy League Tournament. The two-day extravaganza features three games: two semifinals and one final game, ultimately ending with an automatic bid and an Ivy League Conference Champion.

2024 Ivy League Conference Awards

Player of the Year: Xaivian Lee, Princeton

Freshman of the Year: Malik Mack, Harvard

Transfer of the Year: Casey Simmons, Yale

Coach of the Year: Mitch Henderson, Princeton

First Team:

• G: Xaivian Lee, Princeton (17.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 46.1 FG%)
• G: Kino Lilly Jr., Brown (18.4 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.4 RPG)
• G: Clark Slajchert, Penn (18.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42.2 3P%)
• F: Caden Pierce, Princeton (16.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 54.6 FG%)
• F: Danny Wolf, Yale (14.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 BPG)

Second Team:

• G: Chris Manon, Cornell (12.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 57.7 FG%)
• G: Malik Mack, Harvard (17.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG)
• G: Matt Allocco, Princeton (12.6 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.0 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 42.7 3P%)
• F: Dusan Neskovich, Dartmouth (16.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.1 APG)
• F: Nana Owusu-Anane, Brown (15.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG)

Ivy League Tournament Simulation

Semifinals – Sat., Mar. 16

1. Princeton vs. 4. Brown – 11 a.m. on ESPNU

Princeton has been a buzzsaw in the Ivy League, including two wins over their opening opponent in Brown. However, despite two convincing victories, Brown fought the Tigers hard, having leads in each second half, ultimately falling. With more on the line, it is not unreasonable to think Brown will bring their top game, but so will Princeton, and it is very clear whose A-game takes the cake here.

Sam’s pick: 1. Princeton

2. Yale vs. 3. Cornell – 2 p.m. on ESPN News

The two teams in the afternoon matchup split their season series, with both teams winning by one possession on their home floor. A neutral site poses a very interesting matchup, and it really could swing either way. Yale is coming off an overtime loss to end their regular season, while Cornell ended their regular season with a convincing road win. Cornell is playing some of its best basketball of the year, and with the tournament in New York City, the proximity to home might give them the edge.

Sam’s pick: 3. Cornell

Championship – Sat., Mar. 16

1. Princeton vs. 3. Cornell – Noon on ESPN2

This is Princeton’s game to lose. The Tigers were the clear favorite all season, and Cornell’s “home” advantage is nullified with the short commute from New Jersey. Unless Princeton really falters, it’ll be the Ivy League’s clear top team representing the conference in the Big Dance.

Sam’s pick: 1. Princeton