I remember watching Princeton basketball a decade ago and thinking they were the classic "smart school" team - disciplined, fundamentally sound, but ultimately lacking the athleticism to compete at the highest levels. My how things have changed. What we're witnessing now is nothing short of a basketball renaissance in New Jersey, where Princeton has transformed from Ivy League also-ran to legitimate championship contender. This evolution didn't happen overnight, and it certainly wasn't accidental. As someone who's followed college basketball for over twenty years, I've seen programs rise and fall, but Princeton's ascent feels different - more sustainable, more intentional.
The turning point came when the program shifted its recruiting philosophy. Instead of chasing players who could barely meet academic requirements, they started targeting genuine student-athletes who could thrive in Princeton's rigorous environment while bringing legitimate Division I talent. This balancing act is incredibly difficult to pull off, but Princeton found their formula. They identified players like Tiongson, who demonstrated both academic excellence and untapped basketball potential. I've spoken with several Ivy League coaches who admit Princeton's current model has forced them to rethink their own approaches. The Tigers are landing players who would have gone to mid-major programs a few years ago, creating a talent gap within the conference that's becoming increasingly difficult to bridge.
What fascinates me most about this transformation is how Princeton maintained their signature style while upgrading their athletic profile. They still run that beautiful motion offense, but now they have players who can create their own shots when the system breaks down. They still emphasize team defense, but now they have athletes who can switch everything and contest shots at the rim. This hybrid approach - blending Princeton's traditional strengths with enhanced individual talent - has made them incredibly difficult to prepare for. Opponents can't just study the system anymore; they have to account for multiple players who can beat you one-on-one.
Let's talk about Tiongson specifically, because his journey epitomizes Princeton's rise. I watched him struggle during last year's championship series, putting up just 2.7 points on 3-of-11 shooting across the first three games. There was that particularly rough outing where he went scoreless in 12 minutes - the kind of performance that can break a player's confidence. But what impressed me was how he responded. Instead of shrinking from the moment, he used that disappointment as fuel. The coaching staff told me they worked with him extensively on mental preparation, helping him understand that even great players have off nights. This developmental focus - not just on skills but on mindset - has become a hallmark of the program.
The numbers tell a compelling story about Princeton's ascent. Over the past three seasons, they've improved their scoring average from 68.2 to 74.8 points per game while maintaining their defensive efficiency. Their rebounding margin has swung from -1.3 to +4.1, indicating they're now competing physically with more athletic opponents. Perhaps most impressively, their three-point percentage has climbed from 33.7% to 38.9%, making them dangerous from beyond the arc while still executing their backdoor cuts and Princeton-style actions. These aren't massive statistical jumps individually, but collectively they paint a picture of a program that's systematically addressing its weaknesses while amplifying its strengths.
I've had the privilege of speaking with several Princeton players over the years, and what strikes me is their collective mindset. They genuinely believe they can compete with anyone, and this confidence isn't arrogance - it's built through preparation. Their practice facility might not be as flashy as some power conference schools, but the work ethic I've witnessed there rivals any program I've covered. Players regularly put up extra shots, study film together, and hold each other accountable in ways that feel more like a professional organization than a college team. This culture didn't emerge by accident; it was carefully cultivated by a coaching staff that understands sustainable success requires more than just talent.
The Ivy League landscape has shifted dramatically because of Princeton's rise. Where Harvard used to dominate recruiting and results, Princeton has become the conference's standard-bearer. Other programs are now trying to emulate their model, but they're several years behind. Princeton established their identity first, and now they're reaping the benefits. I genuinely believe we're looking at a program that could make a deep NCAA tournament run in the coming years. They have the coaching, the system, and increasingly, the talent to compete with basketball's traditional powers.
What excites me most about Princeton's future is their commitment to doing things their way. They're not abandoning their principles to chase temporary success. Instead, they've proven you can build a championship contender while maintaining academic integrity and playing beautiful, team-oriented basketball. In an era where college sports often feels dominated by mercenary mentalities and transactional relationships, Princeton stands as a refreshing counter-narrative. They're good, they're getting better, and they're doing it the right way. As a basketball purist, that's the kind of success story I can get behind.
