- Brown will host Ivy Madness in Providence next season.
- Last season, Brown caught fire at the right time, winning seven straight games to move into the top four in the league standings and advance to the title game in Columbia.
- Nana Owusu-Anane was a question mark after her shocking entry into the portal, but her subsequent pledge to return provides a huge boost.
The Ivy League is not immune to the modern realities of college sports.
Transfer portals and the expansion of name, image and publicity rights have in some cases overshadowed the promise of a prestigious four-year degree. Several high-profile players in men's basketball have departed this offseason, and Brown was one of the programs affected.
Cal Anya will leave the Bears after two years and enjoy a reunion of sorts in St. Louis. Brown retained another frontcourt standout and pulled in a transfer from the Division II ranks to help shape the roster for the 2024-25 season as it aims to reach Ivy Madness on its home floor.
The Bears caught fire at the perfect time last season. With seven consecutive wins, they moved into the top four in the league standings and advanced to the title game against Colombia. A last-minute loss to Yale prevented Brown from reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1986.
more:For Brown's Mike Martin, reaching the postseason was a lifelong dream come true.
Will it be fixed next spring? Kino Rielly Jr., Lindell Herrold and AJ Lethbert all started the key game against the Bulldogs and will continue with the Bears. Rielly has a real chance to earn league player of the year honors after establishing himself as one of the top performers.
Nana Owusu-Anane was a question mark after her shocking entry into the portal, but her subsequent pledge to return provides a huge boost. He's a captain, the team's best rebounder, a nightly double-double threat, and has reportedly drawn interest from Arizona State, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Seton Hall, BYU, Clemson, and more. There is. The fact that he was able to get meaningful playing time in these power programs makes it clear how important it was for Brown to have him back.
Herold's defensive presence and Lethbert's perimeter shooting energized a Bears lineup that was just 6-17 overall. Brown coach Mike Martin and his staff reached breaking point and showed their mettle while making big changes. Aaron Cooley played an energetic role off the bench, and his seniors Kimo Ferrari and Malachi N'Duru played the best basketball of their respective careers as reserves.
Anya could not be sold as a return. He will join the Billikens and former Bears assistant coach Anton Gray, who arrived from Indiana State University. Josh Schertz was plucked from the Sycamores as head coach, and last year's solid performance in the NIT could be just a springboard for what that staff does in the Atlantic 10.
There will be some gaps to fill, but Brown has made some notable attempts to address them. Jacob Darr will enroll from Emory & Henry with two years remaining — he averaged 15.4 points and 5.8 rebounds as a winger for the Wasps last season. Point guard Jeremiah Jenkins could make an immediate impact as a top-200 national prospect coming out of the powerhouse Brewster Academy.
more:We bring you the latest happenings in the local college basketball scene.
The Bears and their fellow league members cannot afford to play against the most experienced and talented players. Nduru will be spending his fifth year at William & Mary amid the coronavirus pandemic, but he will be joining forces with Princeton wing Zach Martini (Rutgers), Princeton forward Matt Allocco (Notre Dame) and Penn guard Clark. – Graduates include Sreichert (USC), Dartmouth forward Dusan Neskovic (Richmond), and Harvard University. Forward Justice Ajogbor (St. Joseph's) has all played in an equal or higher conference. Groups like Lilly, Erold, Owusu-Anane, and Cooley stand out for their veteran nature.
Anya joins Yale center Danny Wolf (Michigan State), Crimson guard Malik Mack (Georgetown) and Quakers guard Tyler Perkins (Villanova) in higher profile heading into next season. Participated in finding a home. Harvard forward Chisom Okpara remains in the transfer portal and could still leave. All were candidates to be on the all-conference team at the end of 2024-2025.
Brown got a taste of his final weekend in the league — and maybe next time it'll be a home-cooked meal. The Pizzitla Center will host games between four teams, boys and girls, in March, with the Bulldogs aiming to defend their boys' crown. Only time will tell if the Bears are poised to avoid another heartbreak.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
About X: @BillKoch25