At the same time, Causey's lethal long-range shooting and experience in the game make him an obvious contender for playing time.

Causey played the first part of the 1998-99 season with Texas Christian University (TCU) before leaving the team and transferring to Harvard. Although he enjoyed the exciting atmosphere that surrounded TCU's nationally ranked program, the native southerner wasn't as pleased with personal matters and the dorm situation.

"The whole thing was a big growing-up experience for me," Causey said, hesitating. "But I came to Harvard because it is one of the best schools in the world and it has an up-and-coming [basketball] program."

As required by the NCAA, Causey was forced to sit on the sidelines last season and watch in street clothes as his teammates played the game he loves. Although he found not playing competitively to be very difficult mentally, Causey worked hard both on the court and in the weight room to prepare for this season. Sullivan considers Causey's training and maturation in the off-season to be even more beneficial than his brief stint with TCU.

"The year out really helped Mike out the most," Sullivan said. "He looks good and [has] really gotten his body into shape."

Sophomore Pat Harvey will also compete for playing time in the backcourt. After playing in 24 games and averaging 3.3 points per game in 1998-99, Harvey had to sit last season out. He returned home to Chicago to work for a lawyer, and took advantage of his time away from the office by working out with several former college players, including his brother, who played at Xavier.

"It was tough being away, but I kept up on [Harvard's] season and I'm stronger and smarter now than I was two years ago," Harvey said.

Like Causey, Harvey is known mostly for his long-range shooting. With the graduation of Damian Long '00, who led the Ivy League last season with 72 three-pointers, both Causey and Harvey could be called upon to shoot the trifecta.