Brown Bears
2018-19 record: 20-12, 7-7 in the Ivy League
Head coach: Mike Martin
Tenure at Brown: 8th season
Career coaching record: 93-112
Home court: Pizzitola Sports Center
Starters: G Brandon Anderson, G Zach Hunsaker, F Tamenang Choh, F Joshua Howard, F Matt DeWolf
Bench: G David Mitchell, G Jake Shaper, F Jaylan Gainey, F Davis Franks
Overview: The Bears are looking to build off one of their best years in school history, which included their first-ever 20-win season and their first-ever postseason victory at the College Basketball Invitational. Their head coach, Mike Martin, comes into the season as the 2019 Ivy League Coach of the Year and aims to show why he has that title.
Brown returns three of five starters from last year’s squad, including second team All-Ivy junior forward Tamenang Choh, who led the Ivy League in rebounding last season. The other returning starters, Brandon Anderson and Zach Hunsaker, make up the backcourt for the Bears. Other players ready to make an impact include junior forward Matt DeWolf—who will be returning from injury—and senior forward Joshua Howard, who should provide an offensive spark for a defensive-minded team.
The Bears ranked 22nd in total defense last year and they look to continue that trend going into this season. The real question will be whether their offense is enough to take them to the top of the Ivy League. They are currently picked to finish fifth but Martin has much higher expectations for his team.
One thing that needs to go right: The Bears veteran core comes together and improves on their success from last season and they make another run in the postseason.
One thing that could go wrong: Brown drops some early season contests and loses its confidence. The Bears are unable to follow up their first 20-win season with consistent success.
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