“I’ve never gotten the respect I’ve wanted for my defense, so I worked hard at being quicker and getting more steals,” Rogus said. “I really want to be a steal threat this year.”

At 6’4, Rogus stands as one of the taller two-guards in the Ivy League.His height and hard work should make him not only a better defender, but also a better rebounder, according to Sullivan.

Rogus embraces this expanding role.

“[I want] to be a leader on the floor, make tough plays and be an emotional leader,” Rogus said. “On defense I have to take charges, dive for loose balls and on offense just make shots and be an emotional leader.”

Giovacchini will likely see a significant amount of time running the Crimson offense at the point. While some believe he will fill the void left by Prasse-Freeman, Giovacchini has more modest goals.

“My role on the team is to play solid defense and to set up our offense and try to direct people as much as possible while getting the ball to open teammates,” he said.

A victim of leg and foot ailments as a freshman and sophomore, Giovacchini hasn’t played a full season yet for Harvard.

“I worked hard over the summer to try to make myself stronger and more durable so that I can avoid injuries that have plagued my last two years,” Giovacchini said.

It appears that the work has paid off so far.

Behind the trio of juniors, youth will definitely be served with the sophomore pair of Beal and Zach Martin.

The 6’4 Beal can play any of the guard positions, and even played in the front court throughout high school.

Known as a slasher, he spent the off-season smoothing the rough edges around his game.

“I reworked my jump shot, working with [assistant] coach [Bill] Holden,” Beal said. “I am going to try to become a more consistent shooter from midrange and further back.”

His summer was not filled with drill after drill, however.

In August, Beal played in the Rucker Park streetball tournament in New York City.