Penn Basketball’s New Season Overview

The 2025-26 season brings fresh faces, new uniforms, and enduring talent to Penn basketball.

During the annual Red and Blue Scrimmage held on Saturday at the Palestra, both the men’s and women’s teams displayed their skills. The men’s team, under coach Fran McCaffery, demonstrated a dynamic, rapid-paced style of play, while the women continued showcasing their established strengths with familiar key players.

The event kicked off with the women’s team, led predominantly by experienced players. Junior guard Mataya Gayle and sophomore forward Katie Collins shined in their play, contributing to a successful performance. With the exit of 2025 Wharton alum Stina Almqvist, both players, who were recently named Ivy League Rookies of the Year, are poised to take on greater leadership roles this season.

Coach Mike McLaughlin expressed confidence in Collins, believing she possesses a unique quality that positions her well for leadership. “I think she’s ready,” he affirmed.

A notable feature of the team is the sibling duo of junior guard Ese Ogbevire and her freshman sister, Ruke. Their competitive spirit during the scrimmage highlighted both players’ determination, with Ese returning from a season-long injury. Their collaboration is anticipated to strengthen as the season progresses.

With a focus on elevating their performance, Gayle emphasized the team’s ambition: “We’ve had a lot of team conversations… I think we’re all on the same page about the level we want to reach this year, which is winning an Ivy League Championship.” Meanwhile, the men’s team is undergoing a complete transformation with McCaffery’s new coaching style. Despite several new players, including five freshmen and two transfers, the squad faces challenges, particularly regarding the status of junior forward TJ Power, who is currently dealing with an injury.

However, the scrimmage was also marked by a blast from the past, as former Penn player Sam Brown, now at Davidson, attended. He is expected to return to Philadelphia for a game against his former team in January. Highlighting the day’s scrimmage, senior forward Ethan Roberts scored 20 points, demonstrating his readiness for a strong final season. He praised McCaffery’s clear direction as a significant factor in the team’s potential success.

The Quakers also revealed their updated jerseys, reminiscent of those worn by McCaffery during his time at Penn in the late 70s and early 80s. This season carries a sense of optimism and expectation, with McCaffery acknowledging the high hopes for an exciting, fast-paced outcome. The season commences on November 7th at the Palestra with the women facing King’s College in the afternoon, followed by the men’s match against Rowan in the evening.