Monday, November 2
New York, N.Y.
7:00 P.M.
Columbia
vs
Elon
Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.
10/30/2026 3:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The Lions begin year two of the Kevin Hovde era with their first meeting with the Phoenix since 2013
NEW YORK — Columbia men's basketball embarks on its 126th year in program history when it welcomes Elon to Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium on Monday at 7 p.m. in the Lions' 2026-27 season opener.
Monday's matchup between the Lions (0-0) and Phoenix (0-0) can be followed via live stats or watched live on ESPN+. Lance Medow (play-by-play) and Barry "Slice" Rohrssen (analyst) will have the call. Click here to buy tickets.
News/Notes
Opening Tip-Off
Columbia is 80-44 all-time in season openers and looks to win its third straight campaign debut. The Lions are 86-37 all-time in home openers and have won 11 of its last 18 openers in Levien Gymnasium.
The Lions open the season at home for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign, when Columbia defeated Kean on opening night.
Columbia begins the season with a three-game homestand for the first time since 2004-05.
Kevin Hovde enters his second season at the helm of the Lions. Columbia's 16 wins a season ago were the program's most since the 2015-16 CollegeInsider.com Tournament Championship run.
The Lions return 11 student-athletes from last season and welcome seven newcomers in 2026-27.
Year Two of the Hovde Era
Kevin Hovde begins his second season as head coach of the Lions. Hovde was named a finalist for the 2025-26 Joe B. Hall Award back in March, which is presented annually to the top first-time head coach in Division I college basketball. Hovde is coming off his debut as a head coach in which he amassed 16 wins and had the Lions over .500 for the first time in 10 years.
The Lions Den
Throughout the 2026-27 season, head coach Kevin Hovde and host Lance Medow will discuss a variety of topics surrounding the Columbia men's basketball program in a sit down interview format. All episodes will be visible on the GoColumbiaLions YouTube page. The first episode can be watched by clicking here.
Dominating the Glass
Columbia finished the 2025-26 season ranked eighth nationally in rebounding margin, outrebounding opponents by 8.7 boards per game. The Lions averaged 39.2 rebounds per contest and ranked inside the top 35 nationally in both total rebounds and offensive rebounds per game. Columbia also led the Ivy League in offensive rebounds during conference play.
Defensive Turnaround
The Lions made significant strides defensively in Hovde's first season, holding opponents to 71.7 points per game after allowing 78.1 in 2024-25. Columbia also limited opponents to 43.4 percent shooting from the field, improving from 46.8 percent the previous season.
Protecting Levien
Columbia went undefeated at Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium during non-conference play for the second consecutive season in 2025-26. The Lions went 7-0 against non-conference opponents at home last season and finished with a 9-5 overall home record.
Sophomore Duo Poised for Impact
Columbia's reigning Ivy League Rookie of the Year Connor Igoe and five-time Ivy League Rookie of the Week Miles Franklin will be a big part of the Lions' success in 2026-27. Igoe became Columbia's first Ivy League Rookie of the Year since 1987 after averaging 8.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native recorded five double-doubles, the most by an Ivy League first-year last season. He and fellow sophomore Miles Franklin each earned five Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors, combining for 10 awards during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Returners
Leading Columbia's returners are the aforementioned Igoe and Franklin. Junior Gerard O'Keefe also returns after averaging 8.5 points per game, while fellow junior Mason Ritter is back after ranking second on the team with 15 blocks and averaging 7.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Senior Hampton Sanders, along with fellow veterans Nicolo Romanelli and Richard Nweke, adds experience to the Lions' returning core.
The Newcomers
Columbia's incoming class of players features seven newcomers. Luke Cruz, Gabe Hornberger, Michael Madueme, Trae Nunn, Josh Pratt, and Nino Žarković will enroll as first-years, while Douglas Langford (sophomore) enters the program after a season at San Jose State.
The Coaching Staff
Hovde's staff includes returning assistant coaches Mark McGonigal and Shasha Brown. Nate Hickman '18CC has been promoted to assistant coach and Chasen Hofmann was promoted to general manager in the offseason. Anthony Lorenzo joined the Columbia staff in June as Director of Strategy, Video & Analytics.
1,000 Points Watch
Columbia's Hampton Sanders (679 points) is closing in on the 1,000 point mark for his career. The last Lion to reach 1,000 points was Kenny Noland on Jan. 5, 2026. Columbia has 31 all-time 1,000 point scorers.
Scouting Elon
The Phoenix were picked to finish eighth in the Coastal Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. Junior guard Bryson Cokley was named to the Preseason All-CAA Second Team.
Series History - Elon
The Lions are 1-3 all-time against the Phoenix with the two teams facing off against each other for the first time since Dec. 1, 2013. Elon won that game at home in overtime, 68-65. Columbia's lone win in the series came on Jan. 8, 2012, on the road.
Up Next
The Lions' three-game homestand to start the season continues on Thursday against SUNY Old Westbury. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
Tickets On Sale
Columbia men's basketball tickets are on sale now. Visit https://gocolumbialions.evenue.net/list/MB or call the ticket office at 888-LIONS-11 to purchase.
Preseason Ivy League Poll
The Lions were predicted to finish sixth in the preseason Ivy League poll, conducted by selected members of the media.
The Schedule
The Lions have a 29-game slate set for 2026-27 that features 16 home games from Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium. Ivy League play commences for the Lions on Jan. 5 vs. Cornell. Columbia concludes the 2026-27 regular season at home against Harvard on March 5.
The top-four regular season finishers in the conference will compete in this year's Ivy Madness, held March 12-13 at The Palestra in Philadelphia, Pa. The men's semifinals will be played on March 12 and the final will follow on March 13.
Thompson Goes Pro
Blair Thompson '26CC signed professionally with the Leicester Riders of the Super League Basketball in Great Britain. Thompson embarked on his professional career after starting all 28 games and averaging 11.4 points per game for the Lions as a senior in 2025-26.
The New York, New York native pulled down his 500th career rebound in the Jan. 24 win at Dartmouth, becoming the first Lion to achieve the feat since Mark Cisco in 2012-13. Thompson joined Gary Raimondo '99CC as the only other Lion to have 500 rebounds and 100 steals in their Columbia careers. He finished his career as a Lion tied for ninth in games played (108). Thompson's 108 steals rank eighth all-time in program history. Thompson was named Academic All-Ivy League following the conclusion of last season.
Lions In The Pros
Columbia has 14 alumni currently playing professionally: Blair Thompson '26CC, Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa '25CC, Zavian McLean '24CC, Liam Murphy '24CC, Cameron Shockley-Okeke '23CC, 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.
A Historic Team Joins the Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame
The 1910-11 Columbia men's basketball team was inducted into the Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 22. This Lions group established themselves as one of the finest teams of its era, capturing the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League championship with a 13-1 overall record and a 7-1 mark in league play. The title marked Columbia's fifth EIBL championship in 11 years and capped one of the most successful stretches in the early history of the program. Columbia's dominant victories featured a commanding average margin of victory of 14.5.
Led by coach Harry A. Fisher, the Lions entered the 1910-11 season with all five starters from the previous year's championship team returning. The veteran group included forwards Ted Kiendl and Capt. R.V. Mahon, center A.D. Alexander, and guards W.M. Lee and Claus Benson. The team's experience and depth helped Columbia navigate a demanding schedule that included games against Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Pennsylvania and other leading collegiate programs of that day.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, search Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or follow on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Monday's matchup between the Lions (0-0) and Phoenix (0-0) can be followed via live stats or watched live on ESPN+. Lance Medow (play-by-play) and Barry "Slice" Rohrssen (analyst) will have the call. Click here to buy tickets.
News/Notes
Opening Tip-Off
Columbia is 80-44 all-time in season openers and looks to win its third straight campaign debut. The Lions are 86-37 all-time in home openers and have won 11 of its last 18 openers in Levien Gymnasium.
The Lions open the season at home for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign, when Columbia defeated Kean on opening night.
Columbia begins the season with a three-game homestand for the first time since 2004-05.
Kevin Hovde enters his second season at the helm of the Lions. Columbia's 16 wins a season ago were the program's most since the 2015-16 CollegeInsider.com Tournament Championship run.
The Lions return 11 student-athletes from last season and welcome seven newcomers in 2026-27.
Year Two of the Hovde Era
Kevin Hovde begins his second season as head coach of the Lions. Hovde was named a finalist for the 2025-26 Joe B. Hall Award back in March, which is presented annually to the top first-time head coach in Division I college basketball. Hovde is coming off his debut as a head coach in which he amassed 16 wins and had the Lions over .500 for the first time in 10 years.
The Lions Den
Throughout the 2026-27 season, head coach Kevin Hovde and host Lance Medow will discuss a variety of topics surrounding the Columbia men's basketball program in a sit down interview format. All episodes will be visible on the GoColumbiaLions YouTube page. The first episode can be watched by clicking here.
Dominating the Glass
Columbia finished the 2025-26 season ranked eighth nationally in rebounding margin, outrebounding opponents by 8.7 boards per game. The Lions averaged 39.2 rebounds per contest and ranked inside the top 35 nationally in both total rebounds and offensive rebounds per game. Columbia also led the Ivy League in offensive rebounds during conference play.
Defensive Turnaround
The Lions made significant strides defensively in Hovde's first season, holding opponents to 71.7 points per game after allowing 78.1 in 2024-25. Columbia also limited opponents to 43.4 percent shooting from the field, improving from 46.8 percent the previous season.
Protecting Levien
Columbia went undefeated at Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium during non-conference play for the second consecutive season in 2025-26. The Lions went 7-0 against non-conference opponents at home last season and finished with a 9-5 overall home record.
Sophomore Duo Poised for Impact
Columbia's reigning Ivy League Rookie of the Year Connor Igoe and five-time Ivy League Rookie of the Week Miles Franklin will be a big part of the Lions' success in 2026-27. Igoe became Columbia's first Ivy League Rookie of the Year since 1987 after averaging 8.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native recorded five double-doubles, the most by an Ivy League first-year last season. He and fellow sophomore Miles Franklin each earned five Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors, combining for 10 awards during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Returners
Leading Columbia's returners are the aforementioned Igoe and Franklin. Junior Gerard O'Keefe also returns after averaging 8.5 points per game, while fellow junior Mason Ritter is back after ranking second on the team with 15 blocks and averaging 7.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Senior Hampton Sanders, along with fellow veterans Nicolo Romanelli and Richard Nweke, adds experience to the Lions' returning core.
The Newcomers
Columbia's incoming class of players features seven newcomers. Luke Cruz, Gabe Hornberger, Michael Madueme, Trae Nunn, Josh Pratt, and Nino Žarković will enroll as first-years, while Douglas Langford (sophomore) enters the program after a season at San Jose State.
The Coaching Staff
Hovde's staff includes returning assistant coaches Mark McGonigal and Shasha Brown. Nate Hickman '18CC has been promoted to assistant coach and Chasen Hofmann was promoted to general manager in the offseason. Anthony Lorenzo joined the Columbia staff in June as Director of Strategy, Video & Analytics.
1,000 Points Watch
Columbia's Hampton Sanders (679 points) is closing in on the 1,000 point mark for his career. The last Lion to reach 1,000 points was Kenny Noland on Jan. 5, 2026. Columbia has 31 all-time 1,000 point scorers.
Scouting Elon
The Phoenix were picked to finish eighth in the Coastal Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. Junior guard Bryson Cokley was named to the Preseason All-CAA Second Team.
Series History - Elon
The Lions are 1-3 all-time against the Phoenix with the two teams facing off against each other for the first time since Dec. 1, 2013. Elon won that game at home in overtime, 68-65. Columbia's lone win in the series came on Jan. 8, 2012, on the road.
Up Next
The Lions' three-game homestand to start the season continues on Thursday against SUNY Old Westbury. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
Tickets On Sale
Columbia men's basketball tickets are on sale now. Visit https://gocolumbialions.evenue.net/list/MB or call the ticket office at 888-LIONS-11 to purchase.
Preseason Ivy League Poll
The Lions were predicted to finish sixth in the preseason Ivy League poll, conducted by selected members of the media.
The Schedule
The Lions have a 29-game slate set for 2026-27 that features 16 home games from Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium. Ivy League play commences for the Lions on Jan. 5 vs. Cornell. Columbia concludes the 2026-27 regular season at home against Harvard on March 5.
The top-four regular season finishers in the conference will compete in this year's Ivy Madness, held March 12-13 at The Palestra in Philadelphia, Pa. The men's semifinals will be played on March 12 and the final will follow on March 13.
Thompson Goes Pro
Blair Thompson '26CC signed professionally with the Leicester Riders of the Super League Basketball in Great Britain. Thompson embarked on his professional career after starting all 28 games and averaging 11.4 points per game for the Lions as a senior in 2025-26.
The New York, New York native pulled down his 500th career rebound in the Jan. 24 win at Dartmouth, becoming the first Lion to achieve the feat since Mark Cisco in 2012-13. Thompson joined Gary Raimondo '99CC as the only other Lion to have 500 rebounds and 100 steals in their Columbia careers. He finished his career as a Lion tied for ninth in games played (108). Thompson's 108 steals rank eighth all-time in program history. Thompson was named Academic All-Ivy League following the conclusion of last season.
Lions In The Pros
Columbia has 14 alumni currently playing professionally: Blair Thompson '26CC, Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa '25CC, Zavian McLean '24CC, Liam Murphy '24CC, Cameron Shockley-Okeke '23CC, 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.
A Historic Team Joins the Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame
The 1910-11 Columbia men's basketball team was inducted into the Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 22. This Lions group established themselves as one of the finest teams of its era, capturing the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League championship with a 13-1 overall record and a 7-1 mark in league play. The title marked Columbia's fifth EIBL championship in 11 years and capped one of the most successful stretches in the early history of the program. Columbia's dominant victories featured a commanding average margin of victory of 14.5.
Led by coach Harry A. Fisher, the Lions entered the 1910-11 season with all five starters from the previous year's championship team returning. The veteran group included forwards Ted Kiendl and Capt. R.V. Mahon, center A.D. Alexander, and guards W.M. Lee and Claus Benson. The team's experience and depth helped Columbia navigate a demanding schedule that included games against Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Pennsylvania and other leading collegiate programs of that day.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X and Instagram, search Columbia men's basketball on Facebook, or follow on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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