Snowden, along with juniors Darren Rankin and Mike Gilmore, are set in the frontcourt, but none can be called a prototypical center. Instead, Gilmore operates on the outside, and Rankin and Snowden can take turns in the post.

"[Snowden] and I really just switch off," Rankin said. "Center is pretty much just a name anyway."

Still, Snowden is listed as the team's center, even though he is the shortest of the three at 6-5.

Along with the triple forwards, the trap is another new style for Harvard. The Crimson plans to use its back-court depth to attack its opponent's offense.

If the guards get called for a bunch of fouls--as happened against Army--the team is confident that its bench can pick up the slack.

"The trap is a great way to play," Rankin said. "We have an athletic team and the guys are quick. The more we get into it the better we will get."

To the Crimson, this year looks like it could be the one where they finally break out of the basement of the Ivy League. After as many years of losing as Harvard has had, everyone is a little bit excited.

"I think the team is definitely better than last year," White said. "The chemistry is better, and we have a sense that this could be the year for us."

Harvard, of course, will have to do better than its game against Army. But for the Crimson, hoops spring eternal.

So to speak.