Harvard basketball, fueled with enthusiasm from new coach Frank McLaughlin, begins its season tonight when the Crimson cagers take on a highly-touted UMass squad in the IAB at 7:30.

McLaughlin hopes the first game will set the tone for the season. "We're going to be competitive right away. It's an attitude thing," McLaughlin said Monday. "And the attitude of this team has been as good as any team I've been associated with," he added.

More Excitement

This year's cagers will play a more exciting brand of basketball than the teams in years past. McLaughlin hopes to run the fast break more, although Harvard's set-up offense will remain team-oriented, geared to passing for good shots.

The Crimson will press more on defense this year, playing with an aggressive style which takes advantage of opponents' mistakes, McLaughlin said.

Against UMass, McLaughlin will vary his strategy according to the game situation and the players on the court. "I think we have to change things up, keep them off stride. After all, we're supposed to have the smarter students," he said.

The Crimson will probably go with a starting backcourt lineup of Glenn Fine and Rich Bengel, both good ballhandlers. Cyrus Booker, a fine shooter, and team captain Gary Ackerman, a strong rebounder, will fill the forward positions. Brian Banks, a dominating force on both ends of the court, will round out the frontcourt as the Crimson center. Bob Hooft will be valuable as sixth man, spelling both guards and forwards.