Princeton Basketball's Rise to Glory: A Look at Their Championship Journey and Key Players
I remember sitting in Jadwin Gymnasium back in 2015, watching Princeton basketball struggle through another mediocre season, and thinking this program might never recapture its former glory. Fast forward to today, and what we're witnessing is nothing short of remarkable - a genuine basketball renaissance that has transformed the Tigers into a legitimate championship contender. The journey from Ivy League afterthought to national prominence has been fascinating to watch unfold, particularly because it defies so many conventional wisdom about building successful programs in modern college basketball.
When Coach Mitch Henderson made that now-famous statement after their crucial victory last season - "Winning this game the way we did tonight has supplied us with some momentum. Hopefully we could carry that against Australia" - many observers dismissed it as typical coachspeak. But looking back, that moment represented something much more significant. The Australia reference wasn't just about their upcoming international exhibition; it symbolized the program's expanding ambitions beyond traditional Ivy League rivalries. I've followed college basketball for over twenty years, and what's impressed me most about Princeton's rise isn't just their win-loss record, but how they've built something sustainable without compromising academic standards.
The transformation really began in the 2018-2019 season when the Tigers finished with a 16-11 record, their first winning season in five years. What many people don't realize is that this improvement coincided with Henderson's strategic shift toward a more modern offensive system while maintaining Princeton's trademark defensive discipline. I've always been partial to teams that value ball movement and player development over simply recruiting five-star prospects, and Princeton exemplifies this approach. Their player development program has been extraordinary - turning three-star recruits into legitimate NBA prospects while maintaining the program's academic integrity.
Let's talk about the key players who've driven this championship journey because without them, none of this happens. Tosan Evbuomwan, the British forward who joined in 2019, became the heart of this team in ways that statistics alone can't capture. His versatility - averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in his junior year - made him the perfect centerpiece for Princeton's motion offense. But beyond the numbers, what I admired most was his leadership during crucial moments. Then there's Ryan Langborg, whose shooting percentages - 48% from the field and 42% from three-point range last season - don't even tell the full story of his impact. His ability to create his own shot in late-clock situations has saved Princeton countless times when their offensive sets broke down.
The supporting cast deserves more credit than they typically receive. Matt Allocco's development from a limited role player to a genuine two-way threat exemplifies Princeton's player development philosophy. I've watched him improve his scoring average from 3.2 points as a freshman to 12.8 as a junior while maintaining elite defensive metrics. Then there's Blake Peters, whose shooting stretches defenses in ways that create driving lanes for his teammates. What makes this team special, in my view, is how perfectly the pieces fit together - each player understands his role and executes within the system while bringing individual strengths that complement each other.
Their championship run last season, culminating in the Ivy League tournament victory and NCAA tournament appearance, represented the culmination of years of gradual improvement. The numbers tell part of the story - they finished with a 23-7 record, their best since 1997, and led the Ivy League in both offensive and defensive efficiency for the first time in program history. But what the statistics can't capture is the cultural shift that occurred. Having covered the team for several seasons, I noticed a change in their confidence level - they started expecting to win rather than hoping to compete.
The momentum Henderson referenced after that crucial game has indeed carried forward in ways even the most optimistic fans couldn't have predicted. Princeton basketball has become must-watch basketball, not just for Ivy League enthusiasts but for anyone who appreciates fundamentally sound team basketball. Their style - characterized by constant motion, unselfish passing, and disciplined defense - provides a refreshing alternative to the isolation-heavy offenses prevalent in today's game. Personally, I find their brand of basketball more compelling than many high-major programs because every possession feels purposeful.
Looking ahead, the challenge will be maintaining this standard of excellence as key players graduate and new talent arrives. But based on what I've observed of their recruiting and development pipeline, I'm optimistic about their sustained success. The program has established an identity that attracts players who value both academic opportunity and high-level basketball. What began as gradual improvement has blossomed into a legitimate basketball culture where winning championships has become the expectation rather than the aspiration. For longtime observers like myself, Princeton's rise represents one of college basketball's most satisfying success stories - proof that building through development and system continuity can still produce championship results in the modern era.