Guard Earl Hunt leads the Bears in points, averaging 15.9 per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. Another freshman, 6'6 forward Alaivaa Nuualiitia (and ex-teammate of Kobe Bryant at Lower Merion), provides 15 points per game and has had 15 blocks.

Brown's lack of height is a serious problem, as Coleman and teammate Sam Winter should have no problem getting rebounds when they need them. Against the Bears, the Crimson will look to play strong team defense against Hunt and Nuualiitia, who will be hard to defend one-on-one.

This weekend's games shouldn't prove to be much of a difficulty for the Crimson, unless they shoot like they did against Dartmouth (35.4 percent) and only score 48 points. Coleman doesn't foresee that happening again.

"This offense has confidence, and it will be a strong force this weekend," Coleman said.

Coleman himself could have a big weekend, as he will be one of the biggest men on the court for both teams.

"I need to get more inside points," he said. "It seems recently everything I've been shooting is from the outside."

With Long emerging as the new leader of the offense after the loss of Dan Clemente early in the season, Harvard is really opening its season this week. Except for one game, only Ivy League games are remaining, and a sweep this weekend would provide the Crimson with a two-game cushion in the standings.

After its tough start to the season, that would be a nice present for the Crimson before it returns once again to the snowy banks of the Charles for final exams.