Penn basketball team has eyes on Ivy title

As the Penn basketball team gathered at Weightman Gym for Wednesday's workout, Tyler Bernardini made a statement that was echoed by teammates.

"We have no plans to be second, third, fourth, or fifth," the junior guard said. "It's Ivy League championship or bust for us this year. That's it."

Huh?

Isn't this the same Quakers team that struggled through 13-18 and 10-18 campaigns over the last two seasons?

Didn't Penn post a 6-8 league mark last season, tying its worst Ivy record since 1990-91?

But the Quakers swear this year will be different. They expect to win the program's first league title since 2006-07 and 26th overall.

"We had two years of struggling," said junior forward Jack Eggleston, whose squad was picked to finish third in the league. "We know that this is not the level Penn's basketball program should be at.

"We come into the Palestra every day and see the banners. We need to get back to that level."

One thing in the Quakers' favor is the return of three starters in Bernardini, Eggleston, and 6-1 sophomore point guard Zack Rosen.

Bernardini will play a major role in his team's success, at least in the early going.

The honorable-mention all-Ivy League selection averaged a team-leading 13.7 points last season while playing with a sports hernia. Bernardini, a California native, must produce on a nightly basis for his team to have a chance this season.

Eggleston (9.6 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game) and Rosen (8.1 ppg., 4.9 assists per game, 3.4 rpg.) must also contribute.

"It will be a collective effort," said coach Glen Miller, whose squad will open the season at Penn State at 7:30 tonight. "I really think we are going to have to be efficient on both sides of the ball.

"If we get to the foul line, we have to make our foul shots. We have to be a low-turnover team. We can't get outrebounded."

Getting key players back from injury could help Penn achieve its goals.

Center Andreas Schreiber (shoulder) and guard Darren Smith (knee) - the other two starters this season - were basically cheerleaders last season. Schreiber, a 6-9 senior, played in just two games last season. Smith, a 6-4 senior, hasn't played since the 2007-08 season-opener.

Sophomore Larry Loughery (leg), a 6-7 forward, and sophomore Mike Howlett (knee), a 6-9 forward, are back after combining to play in only 17 games last season.

"We are optimistic and determined that we are going to be an improved team this year," Miller said. "It's nice to have all of your pieces to the puzzle."