Walking into the Leede Arena on a crisp Hanover afternoon, I can’t help but feel the lingering energy from last season’s championship run. As someone who’s followed Ivy League basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen programs rise and fall—but what Dartmouth has built under Coach Davis feels different. It’s not just talent; it’s a system, a mindset, and a clear-eyed strategy that balances immediate success with long-term vision. And honestly, that’s what makes this team so compelling to watch.
Let me start with something the Australian national football coach recently said—because it perfectly mirrors what I see unfolding here in Dartmouth’s basketball program. He emphasized going into competitions with the intention to win while consciously creating opportunities for younger players to step up. “We want to defend the title,” he noted, “but we also have to consider there’s a lot of young players in here that we want to give the opportunity to play senior international football.” That dual focus—on defending a title while preparing new talent for bigger stages like the Asia Cup and World Cup—is exactly what Dartmouth is doing right now. They’re not just playing for today; they’re building for March, and beyond.
Take their offensive sets, for example. Last season, Dartmouth averaged 78.4 points per game, one of the highest in the conference, thanks to a motion-heavy offense that prioritized ball movement and spacing. But this year? They’ve integrated at least three freshmen into regular rotation, and the playbook has evolved. They’re running more pick-and-roll actions with first-year point guard Ben Carter, who’s already notching 5.2 assists per game. Is it always smooth? No. I’ve watched them cough up 15 turnovers against Harvard last month—a game they still won, by the way—but those moments are part of the learning curve. You see flashes of brilliance mixed with rookie mistakes, and that’s by design. Coach Davis isn’t sheltering them; he’s throwing them into the fire because he knows the Ivy League tournament is just one stop on the road. The real goal is building a roster that can compete nationally.
Defensively, the adjustments have been just as intentional. They’ve shifted from a strict man-to-man scheme to incorporating more zone looks, especially when sophomore shot-blocker Marcus Reed is off the floor. It’s a work in progress—their defensive rating has dipped slightly to 98.3 points per 100 possessions, down from 95.6 last year—but the trade-off is clear: younger players are learning multiple defensive assignments, which pays off in versatility come playoff time. I remember talking to Coach Davis after the Columbia game, and he mentioned how these regular-season experiments are like “live rehearsals” for high-stakes games. He’s not afraid to sacrifice a few possessions now if it means his freshmen can switch seamlessly between defenses later.
Now, let’s talk schedule. Dartmouth’s non-conference slate is brutal, and I love it. They’re facing off against Power 5 opponents like Michigan State and Virginia in November—games they might not win, but which offer invaluable experience. Then there’s the Ivy League opener against Princeton on January 6th, a matchup I’ve circled on my calendar. Last year, Dartmouth edged them out by two points in overtime, and I expect this one to be another chess match. What stands out to me, though, is how they’re using these games to test lineups. Against weaker opponents, you’ll see the bench play extended minutes. Against top-tier teams, the veterans take over, but the young guys still get meaningful reps. It’s a delicate balance, but one that’s already yielding results. Just look at their 7-2 record so far.
From my perspective, the most underrated aspect of their strategy is player development. I’ve followed guard Liam O’Connell since his high school days, and the jump he’s made in just one offseason is remarkable. His three-point percentage has climbed from 34% to 41% this year, and he’s taking tougher defensive assignments without fouling out. That’s not accidental—it’s the product of individualized film sessions and conditioning programs tailored to each player’s role. I’ve spoken with the strength coach, and he shared that the staff tracks everything from sleep patterns to reaction times. It’s a level of detail that rivals professional setups, and it’s why Dartmouth can plug in new pieces without missing a beat.
Of course, none of this guarantees another title. The Ivy League is tougher than ever, with Harvard and Yale both returning experienced squads. But what sets Dartmouth apart is their willingness to embrace the process. They’re not just defending a championship; they’re building something sustainable. When I watch them play, I see a team that trusts its system and isn’t afraid to let young players learn on the fly. It’s a risky approach—some fans get nervous when a freshman takes the last shot—but it’s also what makes them dangerous in March.
So, as we look ahead to the heart of the season, keep an eye on those schedule updates and roster rotations. The wins and losses will matter, but so will the growth of those younger players. Because if Dartmouth’s strategy pays off, they won’t just be Ivy League champs again—they’ll be a team no one wants to face in the NCAA tournament. And honestly? I think they’re on their way.
