NEW YORK — Columbia men's basketball begins its 124th year when it visits Loyola (Md.) for both teams' 2024-25 season opener on Monday at 7 p.m. Columbia then plays Villanova on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The matchup between the Lions and Greyhounds from Reitz Arena can be followed via live stats or
watched live on ESPN+. Gary Lembrecht (play-by-play) and Jim Chivers (color) will have the call.
The matchup between the Lions and Wildcats from Finneran Pavilion can be followed via live stats or watched live on CBS Sports Network. Jordan Kent (play-by-play) and Steve Lappas (color) will have the call.
Opening Tip-Off
The Lions return more than 78 percent of their scoring for the second straight season. Columbia also brings back at least 79 percent of its rebounds, assists, and steals from 2023-24.
With a win at Loyola, Columbia would improve to 79-44 all-time in season openers. The Lions' last win to start a season was in 2016 at Stony Brook. Under head coach Jim Engles, Columbia is 1-6 in season openers.
The Lions return 12 student-athletes from last season and welcome six newcomers in 2024-25.
News/Notes
Rubio De La Rosa Dominance
Senior Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa was named to the inaugural Bracketeer.Org Non-Power Conference All-American Watch List on Oct. 31. The Santiago, Dominican Republic native played a strong all-around game over 25 appearances (24 starts) in 2023-24 and was tabbed All-Ivy League Honorable Mention. He averaged a team-best in points per game (14.4) for the second straight season and led Columbia in minutes per game (30.8), field goals made (116), three-pointers made (57), and steals (41). Rubio De La Rosa ranked in the top ten among Ivy League players in scoring, three-point field goal percentage, three-point field goals per game, and steals. The guard notched double-figures in 20 games and carries a four-game double-figure scoring streak into the 2024-25 season.
In February, Rubio De La Rosa became the 30th Lion in program history to score 1,000 points and the 16th to do so in his first three seasons. Heading into his senior campaign, Rubio De La Rosa is 21st on Columbia's all-time scoring list.
Juniors Stepping Up
Columbia's junior quartet of Avery Brown, Kenny Noland, Blair Thompson, and Zine Eddine Bedri look to take the next step in their game. All have seen significant action as first-years and sophomores and will play an even bigger role this season. The group accounted for 41 percent of the team's scoring last year.
Brown's 30.3 minutes per game last season ranked 14th in the Ivy League. The Beacon Falls, Connecticut native's 34 steals a season ago ranked ninth in the conference.
Thompson scored double-figures in 12 games last season and led the team and ranked ninth in the Ivy League with 140 rebounds and 5.4 per game. He also blocked 15 shots.
The Schedule
The Lions have a 27-game slate set for 2024-25 that features 15 home games from Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium. Columbia will face six opponents that appeared in a postseason tournament last year (Yale, Villanova, Cornell, Princeton, Delaware State, and Fairfield).
Ivy League play commences for the Lions on Jan. 11 vs. Cornell. Columbia concludes the 2024-25 regular season on the road against Cornell on March 8.
The top-four regular season finishers in the conference will compete in this year's Ivy Madness, held March 14-16 at Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, R.I. The men's semifinals will be played on March 15 and the final will follow on March 16.
The Roster
Columbia returns 12 players from last season, all but one who appeared in games throughout the 2023-24 campaign. The Lions return three starters and had just three graduates from last season's team. Top returners include leading scorer Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa (14.4 points per game) and leading rebounder Blair Thompson (5.4 rebounds per game). Guards Avery Brown and Kenny Noland will also be heavily involved in Columbia's rotation. The roster features five seniors, four juniors, four sophomores, and five first-years.
Columbia men's basketball coach Jim Engles officially announced Gianni Cobb,
Mason Ritter,
Gerard O'Keefe,
Josiah Cunningham, and
Nigel Clarkson as the program's 2024 signees that will enroll as first-years, along with transfer
Daniel Vessey who will enroll as a sophomore.
"I am thrilled to introduce the six exceptional newcomers joining our team this season," Engles said. "Each of these young men bring unique talents and accomplishments that will undoubtedly contribute to our success on and off the court."
The Coaching Staff
Head coach Jim Engles enters his ninth season at the helm of the Columbia men's basketball program. Tobe Carberry begins his fifth season as assistant coach and Jake Brown begins his fourth season as assistant coach. Assistant to the head coach Jesse Agel embarks on his ninth season with the program. Austin Nisbett and Brian Sands begin their second season with the Lions.
Record Book Watch
Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa is fifth all-time in program history in three-pointers made (175) and second in three-pointers attempted (481).
Preseason Ivy League Poll
The Lions were predicted to finish fifth in the preseason Ivy League poll, conducted by selected members of the media. It is the highest the Lions have been picked to finish since 2017, when they were also picked fifth. Columbia had been predicted to finish eighth the last three seasons.
Scouting Loyola
Under new head coach Josh Loeffler, the Greyhounds look to bounce back from a 7-25 (5-13) record in 2023-24. Loyola was picked to finish 10th in the Patriot League Preseason Poll.
Series History - Loyola
The Lions are 3-1 all-time against the Greyhounds and recently defeated Loyola last season in New York City, 69-57.
Scouting Villanova
The Wildcats were 18-16 (10-10) last season and reached the NIT before falling to VCU in the first round. Villanova was picked to finish seventh in the Big East Preseason Poll. Eric Dixon and Wooga Poplar received Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team and Second Team honors, respectively.
Series History - Villanova
The Lions are 2-5 all-time against the Wildcats and last faced off against Villanova to open the 2017-18 season. Columbia's most recent win over a Big East opponent came at Villanova on Nov. 20, 2012.
Up Next
Columbia hosts Delaware State at 2 p.m. on ESPN+ in its home opener this Saturday at Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium.
Lions in the Pros
Columbia has nine alumni currently playing professionally: Ike Nweke '22CC, Tai Bibbs '21CC, Gabe Stefanini '21CC, Mike Smith '20CC, Patrick Tapé '20CC, Kyle Castlin '18CC, Luke Petrasek '17CC, Maodo Lo '16CC, and K.J. Matsui '09CC.
Lo Competes in Paris Olympics
Columbia men's basketball alumnus Maodo Lo '16CC and Team Germany made it all the way to the bronze medal game in men's basketball of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, but fell to Serbia, 93-83. Germany went 3-0 in the group phase before dropping its final two contests.
Tickets on Sale
Single-game tickets for the 2024-25 Columbia men's basketball season are now on sale. Click here or call 888-LIONS-11 to purchase tickets.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X,
Instagram or on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
