If you're looking for reasons why basketball's Ron Mitchell is the Crimson's Freshman Athlete of the Year, there are many.

Start with his 12.0 points per game, third on the squad behind sophomore Ralph James and senior Mike Gielen, and add in his teamleading 6.6 rebounds per game and you've got some interest. Throw in the fact that he started every game at power forward as a freshman, and you've got yourself a strong candidate.

But what makes Mitchell special? You only had to be at Briggs Cage January 31 to know that.

In a game for first place against Dartmouth, Mitchell's 10 points sparked a 22-3 Harvard run in the second half, converting a 13-point Big Green lead into a six-point Crimson advantage with only four minutes left in the game.

Mitchell's thunderous slam off a Gielen steal capped the rally, bringing the roaring packed house to its feet.

The Crimson lost that game in overtime, 93-91, but Mitchell finished the game with 30 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and 14-for-16 shooting from the foul line.

The game ended with Mitchell stealing an inbounds pass and being tripped at half court. But only the final buzzer, no whistle, was heard as Mitchell fell to the court, ending his greatest game ever.

"He's scary," said Dartmouth Coach Paul Cormier, referring to Mitchell's play in that game.

Not scary from our vantage point, coach, just special. And that's why Ron Mitchell is the Crimson Freshman of the Year.