When the Harvard men's basketball team steps onto the floor of Briggs Cage tonight against Holy Cross, it opens a season of hopes and possibilities under second-year coach Frank Sullivan.

"We have a chance to be a good team this year," Harvard Captain Tyler Rullman said. "[Holy Cross] will be a good test for us, though, because we have very little margin for error."

After suffering through a 6-20 season last year which began with eleven straight losses, the Crimson players are eager for a better start this time.

And odds are, it will be.

"Our first two games [against Holy Cross and Boston College] will be tough, but after that we'll probably be all right," Sullivan said. "We have a four of our first five games at home, which should put us in somewhat of a comfort zone."

A realistic goal for Sullivan's team would be to post a .500 season record. Whether or not Harvard can reach that goal depends largely on the success of its motion offense and man-to-man defense.

The Crimson has gained speed but lost muscle since last season, so look for a more open, aggressive Harvard team.

To facilitate this transition, Sullivan will rely on a nucleus of experienced upperclassmen.

The starting front line--comprised entirely of seniors--will be anchored by Rullman, 6'8" forward Eric Carter and 6'10" center Arturo Llopis.

If players were cash, Rullman would be Harvard's $20 bill. Maybe even its $50. As a junior last year, he ranked among the team leaders in points (15.4 ppg), rebounding (5.5 rpg), three pointers, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage.

For Harvard to win consistently, though, Rullman's teammates will have to step up and ease the loss of two frontcourt starters, graduates Ron Mitchell and Peter Condakes.

"Tyler will get his points no matter what we do, but our role is to hit the boards, score in transition, and just keep the team up," Carter said.

Carter battled a foot injury all through the 1991-92 campaign, but the senior power forward is expected to take some of the inside load off of Rullman this season, according to Sullivan.

Joining Carter and Rullman will be Llopis, the imposing center who was plagued by eligibility questions last year.

New Backcourt Strength