Roster Report: Penn, Cornell and the Rest of the Ivy Improve Frontcourts

The Daily Pennsylvanian's Andrew Scurria stresses the importance of the return of Andreas Schreiber (pictured left) to Penn's line-up in 2009-2010. At 6'10" and 245 lbs., Schreiber's improved health should definitely bolster Penn's interior. But the Quakers must still deal with the graduation of 6'9" Cameron Lewis, arguably Penn's most athletic and best rebounding and shot blocking big man as well as the loss of steady veteran 6'7" Brennan Votel.

But the Quakers are not the only Ivy League team that may possibly be getting bigger and more physical in their frontlines next year. In fact, several Ivy League teams will be tremendously improved at power forward and center in 2009-2010.

Columbia may have the Ivy League's second best frontline next season despite the graduation of All Ivy 6'10" post Jason Miller. The Lions return the ultra athletic Ansenso Ampim, a 6'6" 240 lb. leaper and banger, while also bringing back the constantly improving Zach Crimmins, a long shot blocking 7-footer. But more importantly, Columbia adds two immediate impact transfers, both with All-Ivy League potential. Max Craig, a 7'0" 255 lb. center via Loyola Marymount of the WCC is a skilled post player who also boasts athleticism and excellent footwork. Additionally, the Lions also get 6'7" Brian Grimes via La Salle, a solid rebounder and shooting forward. Craig was offered a transfer to Cornell, but ultimately selected Columbia.

Princeton is also very much improved up front. The Tigers return 6'9" 230 lb. All-Ivy selection Pawal Buczak, a senior who is a perfect fit for the Princeton offense. The defensively active 6'7" sophomore, Patrick Saunders and the solid 6'9" Zach Finely also return to New Jersey. Meanwhile, the Tigers add to the mix a pair of heralded forwards in 6'8" Will Barrett (turned down a scholarship to Michigan) and 6'7" Ian Hummer, a skilled and court-smart forward from Washington, D.C. who drew some high major recruiting sniffs.

Harvard could also improve despite the graduation loss of veteran 6'9" Evan Harris. The Crimson return from season-ending injuries a year ago projected starters, 6'7" Doug Miller and 6'7" Pat Magnarelli. The latter is an All Ivy type talent still waiting for a season of complete health. Harvard is also excited about the addition of red-shirt freshman, Andrew Van Nest, a skilled 6'10" forward who likes to face the basket and play out on the perimeter. Van Nest was highly recruited in high school and was getting serious looks from some Big 10, ACC and Big East schools. But the gems of Harvard's roster may be the herculean 6'7" 250 lb. sophomore Keith Wright, a potential All-Ivy selection who battled mono a year ago and new super stud freshman, 6'8" Jeff Georgatos, who passed up an offer from Cornell after visiting Ithaca.

There is also room for optimism in Providence as well as the Bears return All-Ivy center 6'9"Matt Mullery. The rising senior should get much needed help next season in the paint with incoming 6'7" freshman Andrew McCarthy, easily the most impressive frontcourt player a year ago at the loaded Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts.

Yale failed to add any newcomers to their frontcourt, but the Bulldogs return a nice looking group of physically strong and aggressive post players, including 6'9" Garrett Fiddler, 6'7" Michael Sands, and 6'10" twin towers, Paul Nelson and Greg Mangano.

Dartmouth's interior struggled a year ago and suffered some key hits to graduation-- namely Ivy MVP Alex "Mr. Do Everything" Barnett. But the Green have some solid veteran low post pieces coming back with 6'9" Clive Weeden and 6'9" Elgin Fitzgerald. But it is the impressive sophomore combo of 6'8" Josh Riddle and 6'6" 235 lb. Herve Kouna that has people in Hanover thinking the Green came compete next season. Dartmouth also adds 6'9" freshman Josef Brown, a long and athletic shot blocker who visited Cornell during his recruitment process. Brown though may be a bit of a longer term project.

Finally, we come to Cornell, the two-time defending Ivy League champions. The rich get richer. The Big Red frontcourt is, well, hands down the best in the conference and much improved. First, Cornell will throw at opponents a three-headed monster in 7'0" Jeff Foote, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year as well as pair of grinding physical forwards in 6'7" 240 lb. Alex Tyler and 6'9" 245 lb. Mark Coury, who by the way is a skilled transfer from Kentucky who started 31 games for the Wildcats during 2007-2008. But Cornell can also go deeper into its bench with experienced veterans such as the powerful ball hawker in 6'6" Adam Wire, or 6'8' Pete Reynolds, 6'9" Aaron Osgood, and 6'11" 265 lb. Marc Van Burck. But what has Cornellians buzzing is the addition of 6'6" freshman Errick Peck-- a Charles Barkley styled forward who brings tremendous athleticism and leaping ability to the defending champions. Peck turned down more than a dozen scholarship offers from NCAA tournament teams coming out of the Missouri Valley, Horizon, and MAC leagues.