Coming into this season, all connected to the Harvard men's basketball program knew that point guard Tarik Campbell would be the key to any major resurgence by the Crimson.

With senior Captain Tyler Rullman the only other experienced starter, Campbell's ability to break down opponents' defenses and get the ball to his teammates was even more valuable

It may be a little early to say for sure, but after three games, the 5'10" junior appears up to the challenge.

Despite sitting out all of last season, Campbell plays like he never left--averaging 6.3 assists per game so far.

"Tarik helps us because he's such a smart player," Rullman said. "He gets the ball up the court and gets us into our offense really well."

As Rullman Goes...: Rullman himself has probably benefited the most from Campbell's return.

After a chilly shooting day against BC (6-for-27 from the field), Rullman scorched Babson for 23 points and 9 rebounds.

Rullman is the leading scorer among Ivy League players with 22.3 points per game, and he also ranks sixth in rebounding with 7.3 boards per game.

To paraphrase some wise person that no one remembers: As Rullman goes, so goes Harvard.

Encouraging News?: The general sense from Harvard's opponents thus far is that the Crimson is a much improved squad this year--despite last Saturday's pasting at BC.

Perhaps they were just being diplomatic, but both the Holy Cross and Babson coaches said that Harvard seemed markedly better this season.

So did their players:

"They're much better than last season, because they play with a lot more intensity on the boards," Holy Cross guard Bill Walker said.

Wait, Bill, didn't you torch the Crimson for 25 points last Tuesday?

"They just look like they need a little time to gel. They should get better as the year goes on."