Ivy League report

SportsLine.com Report
April 5, 2000

In the Paint

Murphy's Law attacked the Big Green from the get-go when returning small forward Charlie Harris was removed from the team for academics. The season went down hill from there in a hurry.

Four games in they were losing to New Hampshire by 18, and by the time January ended they had lost eight in a row. For some, this would have been simply a bad year. For a team with four starters back, this came out of nowhere.

In senior Shaun Gee they had a two-time all-league forward. In junior Greg Buth they had the nation's top returning 3-point shooter. In junior Ian McGinnis they had the nation's top returning rebounder.

So out they go and start 3-10, 0-4 in the league, and wheels are flying off in every direction. Bad chemistry and really bad shooters. They went 5-5 in the league at the end, but by then it was meaningless.

A Glance at 2001

If Harris can step in and replace the high-scoring Gee, (18 ppg), this again will be a team with four starters returning. Surely they won't lay an egg two years in a row. If the 5-5 finish has righted their ship, then the 10-4 league record of a year ago could return. Add a 6-10 freshman to the mix and it could be fun. If these guys just can't play together, then 2001 will be another space odyssey.

The Coach

Good or bad, the coach takes the blame. Word out of New Hampshire was that there were too many egos on this team and not enough basketballs. That took time to correct. Coach Dave Faucher used 11 different lineups in an attempt to find the right mix. Perhaps he did at the end. Next year will be his tenth season, only three of which have been winners.

Who'll Be Back

Buth brings his explosive offensive game for a senior year, while classmate McGinnis again goes to the boards. He could play tougher, though. Point guard Flinder Boyd -- 15 assists in one game -- will have two years behind him, while Harris should return hungry and ready to go. A little bit of depth returns as well.

Who's Gone