Bigelow cited the freshman rule as a very discouraging element for Beaulieu and for most good athletes in the Ivy League.

"I know that it kept Adrian Dantley [Notre Dame standout] away from Penn," he said.

The athletic limbo created by the rule was a "pain in the ass" for Joe. "It was something I was prepared for--provided the freshman program was at least competitive--and it wasn't. I am no better now than I was when I left high school, and I should be a quantum leap better."

Joe Beaulieu seems to resurrect the question of whether a competitive basketball program, nationally or locally, can exist at Harvard.

At the end of August, Francis Rosa of the Boston Globe blasted Harvard's year-long, aimless quest for an athletic director. Rosa questioned Derek Bok's attitude toward the athletic program at Harvard.

Harvard's commitment to basketball has been something Joe has questioned since the end of his freshman year.

"Everything the Globe said is true," Joe insisted. "It reflects Harvard's attitude towards athletics; it's so wishy-washy. Another place that takes its athletics seriously would have had an AD in a week."

"There's no reason why Harvard shouldn't have the best athletes, the best facilities, especially with the value of a Harvard education."

The absence of black players on the varsity was another factor which influenced Joe's attitude toward the basketball program.

Joe pointed out that there were no blacks on the varsity last year and that there are many superior players shooting hoops in the intramurals. Many black players depsise the style of basketball Harvard plays.

"It's not a schoolyard, run-and-gun type of game. It's a well-constructed, deliberate game of jump shots; not full of slam dunks and blocked shots. Basketball is a serious ritualistic thing for kids in the ghetto, and it's such a sham for these kids that they sit in the stands and laugh and I can't say that I blame them."

But Satch Sanders, now assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, feels "that we were on the road after last year."

"Joe's loss is going to hurt. His leaving means that other players will have to work harder."

McLaughlin recognizes "poor support for basketball across the board." He's begun calling players and alumni for support and has been busy hiring a staff.

"The main thing is attitude," McLaughlin said.

Who knows? With Joe Beaulieu, Harvard may have had a winner. Joe Beaulieu feels he can't afford to wait and see.