"I think he can really put us in the right direction," added junior guard Matt McClain, who was recruited by Sullivan to play at Bentley College.

The arrival of Sullivan has also sparked renewed confidence and support from the athletic department. Sullivan has stressed the importance of creating a "positive environment" and has indicated that he has already seen an "over-whelming grass roots support" for the basketball program.

But clearly, changes from the outside will not be enough to put the Crimson back on track.

Two of Harvard's four returning starters will be missing, at least early in the season. Junior starters Tarik Campbell (point guard) and Peter Condakes (center) will be out for the season for academic reasons, although Condakes may return to play after fall midterms.

The Crimson does have some newcomers, however, including five freshmen recruits. Although it was Roby who recruited the players, Sullivan doesn't foresee any problems with the switch.

"The major thrust of choosing Harvard isn't the basketball coach," Sullivan said. "It may be a factor, but it isn't a really big one."

Crimson fans can certainly look forward to an exciting basketball season, but Sullivan anticipates some difficult times ahead.

"It's very difficult being unfamiliar with the players, and adjusting to playing without two of the starters," Sullivan said. "There's going to have to be a lot of give and take."

For now, as McClain put it, "we're all just waiting to see what happens."

'Sullivan really knows the game of basketball well. He's really committed to a competitive Division I program.' --Senior Ron Mitchell