Opening what promises to be the best season for Harvard basketball since 1942-43, Coach Floyd Stahl's Crimson five will face an untested M.I.T. squad tomorrow night at 8:15 o'clock in the Indoor Athletic Building. A Jayvee contest previously scheduled between the Charles rivals has been called off.

Sole remainder from last year is Jack Clark, forward, who paced the team in 1944-45 but who will have to fight for his starting berth tomorrow. John Gantt, 6 foot, 3 inch former Bowling Green star, is battling Clark for his position. At the other forward is Wyndol Gray, another one-time Bowling Green player, who was picked last year by Madison Square Garden officials for an all-star five of Garden contestants.

Lew Desci, another more-than-six-footer, will handle the center spot with some assistance from Gantt. Despite his height, Desci has looked fast and tricky under the boards in pre-season practice.

Three men will alternate in the two guard posts: Sol Mariaschin, Steve Davis, and former football end, Paul Champion. Mariaschin, smallest of the probable starters at 5 feet, 9 inches, is the team's number one ball-handler and dribbler, while Champion, if he can work into shape on time, will make good use of his height.