This season's crop of recruits boasts an abundance of talent and height, giving Harvard the "tallest team we've ever had," according to Delaney Smith. The reason for the sudden growth spurt lies in 6-ft., 2-in. freshmen Melinda Nelson and Sandra Springer. "They are extremely talented with unlimited potential," Delaney Smith said. "They will dominate in the center position at some point, hopefully during their freshman season."

Another new face, Hamden, Conn., native Heidi Kosh, has already shown her ability to shine in intercollegiate competition. Kosh played consistently in this season's first three games, leading the team in scoring against Smith with 17 points. Despite standing only 5-ft., 7-in., Kosh has proven a surprisingly strong rebounder. "She has been just amazing. She has already passed my expectations," said Delaney Smith.

Kosh, a point guard, had the ability to step into a starting position in numerous schools, but chose Harvard despite the knowledge that her natural position here was held by Keffer.

"Heidi is a team player," Delaney Smith said. "She could have gone to start just about anywhere else, but choosing Harvard regardless of that epitomizes her dedication as a team player." Kosh has not been resting on the bench, however, and has seen as much playing time as the starting five.

The addition of the Boston Four and Hawaii tournaments gives a new dimension to Harvard's schedule: competition with a number of nationally-known and nationally-ranked squads. "This is the toughest non-league schedule we've ever had," Delaney Smith said. "In the Boston Four tourney we will be facing the top Division I teams in the Boston area. In Hawaii the teams competing are in the top-20 or right up there. It will give us a chance to see where we stand with those type of teams."

Harvard needed a schedule boost if it expected to be considered for an at-large bid in the 1987 NCAA post-season tourney. Despite a 20-7 record and an Ivy Championship last year, the Crimson's weak non-league schedule prevented the squad from being considered for a tourney bid.

"Last year we didn't have the schedule to prove ourselves," Delaney Smith said. "But, being an optimist, if we do well in the Boston Four and in Hawaii versus bigger Division I schools, and end up winning the Ivy League with a decent record, I'll definitely be politicking for an at-large bid."

In order to measure up to the stronger competition--and to take advantage of the cagers' extremely deep bench--Delaney Smith has revamped the team's defense, giving thehoopsters a new look on the court. Afterintroducing a full-court press late last season,Delaney Smith has put in a different system thisyear, strengthening the press and complicating theteam's strategy.

"It was a more simple system last year,"explained Delaney Smith. "Last year the pressinvolved mainly the guards, this year it's a totalteam effort."

And while the defense works on a more intensepress, the offense is taking advantage of theteam's quickness to fast break more frequently.

Delaney Smith expects the Crimson to be in topform for its opening Ivy League game against Pennin Philadelphia January 9. Harvard was picked torepeat as Ivy champion in many pre-season polls,but will face tough competition from perennialpower Dartmouth