The huge roster has created a highly competitive atmosphere, particularly at the guard positions.
"It's good, in a way," junior Jared Leake said. "It produces sort of a friendly competition, where everyone is trying their best and coming to play every day."
Fixed Leake
Speaking of Leake, he has emerged as one of the pleasant surprises of the preseason. After a lackluster season last year (when he was hampered by a nagging hamstring injury) Leake has impressed coaches and teammates alike this year with flashes of his former self.
As a freshman two years ago, the 6'1" guard was thrust into a starting role when Campbell took the season off. He performed admirably, starting all 26 contests in Sullivan's first year as head coach.
Now, he looks ready for more.
"You could say I reasserted myself," Leake said. "I did a lot of lifting, running and shooting this summer. I knew I should be contending for a spot, and I felt like I let the team down last year."
The New York City native pointed to his father as his primary inspiration. "My dad told me to get my priorities back. He said I needed to get my game back in shape, and he sets a really good example by always working hard. I didn't want to let him down, either."
Meanwhile, Overseas...
Of the three seniors on last year's team, two are now playing professionally.
Rullman (and his 1,577 career points) have gone to Ireland, while Arturo Llopis '93, the 6'10" center who led the Ivies in rebounding last year, is playing in Spain.
The third former senior, forward Eric Carter '93, is still at Harvard, taking his last semester of classes.
Odds and Ends
Schedule Moves: Sullivan said that this will be the last year that Harvard plays Fairfield. Fairfield will be replaced by Army from next season on. Navy will added to Harvard's schedule in two years, replacing Hartford....The six freshmen on this year's roster have shown impressive work habits thus far, with 6'5" forward Kyle Snowden drawing particular mention....Junior Kevin Fricka, a transfer from Army, has emerged as a top candidate for the starting center's job. He started for Army two years ago, averaging 4.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg. His reputation as a tough player prompted one Harvard teammate to note on Tuesday, "you definitely know where he is on the court at all times. You don't want to catch one of his elbows."