“It’s all got to play out,” Sullivan said. “Even a guy like Pat—who was probably one of the best players we’ve had around here—came off the bench his whole freshman year and picked his spots. We didn’t know he was going to be that good. As a freshman, Jim is probably as good as Pat was as a freshman. Jim’s got the same skill package.”

If nothing else, Goffredo will provide the Crimson with a deep-shooting option off the bench.

While he has certainly drawn praise for his ability to drive the paint and for his work ethic, shooting is definitely Goffredo’s forte.

Still, he anticipates contributing to the team on both ends of the court.

“My strength is definitely shooting from the outside, which is something that I feel that every team can use,” he said. “I know I’m undersized for my position, but hopefully I can also bring some defensive intensity.”

Goffredo’s teammates agree with his assessment.

“Jimmy’s a scorer and will help us put some points on the board,” captain Jason Norman said. “He plays within himself and is also solid on the defensive end of the floor.”

Early signs are that Goffredo will indeed have the opportunity to live up to the buzz surrounding him, albeit in brief spurts of playing time, especially at the beginning of the season.

Yada Yada Yada

It’s a tried-and-true axiom that the best way to see playing time as a freshman is to work hard, hustle, play tough in practice and make the most of your opportunities.

But there are other ways to get on the court as well—including joining a team that’s relatively thin at your position.

“It might be playing time by default,” Yada quipped.

According to Sullivan, junior David Giovacchini, Beal and Yada could all see time at the point. Last year, Giovacchini and Beal combined for all of 14 assists.

The 6’2 Yada is selling himself short if he considers himself undeserving of any playing time he receives this season.

In Yada, Harvard is what Sullivan terms a “combination” player—possessing the dribbling and passing skills of a point guard, but also the shooting skills and ability to drive the lane most often found in shooting guards.