Other returning players who will add experience in the backcourt are senior Brian Parker, junior Alex Lowder, and sophomore Pat Harvey.

One new face who may have an immediate impact is sophomore shooting guard Mike Causey. The 6'2 transfer from Texas Christian University sat out last year for NCAA transfer eligibility reasons, but is expected to contribute from the start of this season. In particular, Causey's skillful perimeter shooting would nicely fill the gap left by Long, a very successful three-point shooter.

The Crimson Frontcourt

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Undoubtedly, the centerpiece of the frontcourt will be the literal and emotional leader of the team--captain Dan Clemente.

"He'll continue a legacy that has been really important to us, which is leadership from the captain position," Sullivan said. "I'm really counting on Dan for major leadership this year."

Clemente, who garnered First Team All-Ivy honors last season, returns as the team's leading scorer, rebounder and three-point shooter. His 18.6 points per game would have given Clemente the scoring title in the Ivy League, but he did not play in enough games to qualify for that distinction.

Clemente's skill and ability are unquestioned, but a large unknown this season will be the health and durability of the 6'7 forward. Last year, Clemente missed 11 games with a detached retina. The year before that, he required foot surgery after playing through pain to earn Ivy Honorable Mention. Finally, in his freshman year, Clemente missed four games with a severely sprained ankle.

"Hopefully, with the work I put in this summer and a little good luck, I should have a surgery-free year for the first time in a while," Clemente said.