By: Keven McDonald, Penn Men's Basketball Legend

Why did you choose to attend an Ivy League institution?
 
I chose the Ivy League because of the high academic standards. I chose Penn in particular because they were a national basketball power at the time. Also, the school’s location in Philadelphia and its participation in the Big 5 were major factors in my decision. 
 
What comes to mind when you think about the Ivy League?
 
In spite of the uncompromising academic requirements the Ivy League is competitive in all major sports and many athletes make it into and thrive at the professional level.

What off-court accomplishment are you most proud of?
 
I am very proud to have graduated from Rutgers School of Law. I attended law school in the evening, while holding down a full time job, and managed to graduate with a more-than-respectable GPA. Again, the discipline and focus I developed at Penn was hugely responsible for allowing me to accomplish this.
 
What is your most memorable experience from your time as an Ivy League student-athlete?
 
In September of 1975, our Penn men's basketball team went to Varese, Italy for a week. We played against some of the best teams in Italy and spent some time touring northern Italy. We also spent a day in Lugano, Switzerland. It was my first trip out of the United States and was a life-changing experience that prepared me to play professionally in Europe a few years later.
 
How did your Ivy League experience compare to your expectations?
 
My experience exceeded all expectations. I made the decision to attend Penn while still on my recruiting trip. It had that perfect combination of rigorous academics, national basketball prominence and location in one of the country’s greatest cities. Add the Big 5 and the Palestra to all of this and I knew I would be immersed in a rich tradition for four years. Nothing however could have prepared me for all the great times I had with my teammates and my fellow students. It’s natural to wonder what might have been had I chosen another school, but ultimately I know I made the only decision I could have made given my goals at the time.
 
What Ivy League school did you enjoy competing against the most and why?
 
Princeton! They were our archrivals and the only team that could prevent us from winning the Ivy League title. They were a great, well-coached team and we took particular delight in beating them.

How has Ivy League basketball evolved since your time as a student-athlete?
 
First, freshmen can now play on the varsity. This is a huge change from when I played. My statistical record would have been much different had I been able to play varsity as a freshman.

Second, there’s a three-point shot now. That too would have impacted my stat history had this been available to me.
 
Third, there’s much more parity among the teams now. Long gone are the days when only Penn or Princeton were the presumptive winners of the Ivy title.
 
Fourth, the players are much bigger and stronger than when I played. I would certainly have to expand my skillset to compete with today’s players.
 
Fifth, there was no Ivy League Tournament when I played at Penn. The winner of the Ivy League title was given an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Today the players must overcome an additional hurdle to make it to the Big Dance.
 
The most significant evolution of Ivy League basketball since I played is that of the women’s game. When I was at Penn, women’s basketball was played on the club level. There was no formal women’s basketball team. Over the years since I left Penn, I’ve watched the Penn and other Ivy League women compete in the NCAA tournament and they are well on their way to establishing their own traditions.

What does it mean to you to be a Legend of Ivy League Basketball?
 
I am deeply honored to be considered an Ivy League legend. Given that the likes of Bill Bradley, Jim McMillian, Brian Taylor, Corkey Calhoun, Phil Hankinson, Geoff Petrie, Dave Wohl and Ernie Beck have all passed through the Ivy League, I truly appreciate being included in such rarified company. Thank you. 

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Keven McDonald was a Penn men's basketball student-athlete from 1975-78. He is a member of the 2018 Class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball that will be formally honored during the 2018 Ivy League Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments on Saturday, March 10, at The Palestra in Philadelphia. Purchase tickets at IvyMadness.com. 

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Authentic Ivy is Ivy League student-athletes, coaches and alumni, in their own words. Stay tuned to IvyLeague.com for more Authentic Ivy features throughout the 2017-18 year.