Do Cagers Make the Grade?

In the spirit of final exams, we are happy to present the mid-term report card for the Harvard men's basketball team.

The Crimson as a whole (6-9 overall, 1-2 Ivy) has not exactly earned honor grades, but the season isn't over. If it catches up on its reading and aces the final paper, it could pass with flying colors.

Point Guard: Junior Tri-Captain Mike Gielen has struggled offensively in the first half, shooting a miserable 35 percent from the field. But the shooting woes haven't affected the rest of the junior's game, as he leads the Crimson in steals and assists.

Although Gielen hasn't rested much this season, when he has, freshman Dana Smith and senior Tom Morrison have played well enough in his place.

Midterm Grade: C+

Shooting Guard: Freshman Ralph James has been the team's most valuable player so far this year, leading the squad in scoring and rebounding. James has been the best freshman cager since Joe Carrabino, who became the Crimson's all-time leading scorer.

Sophomore Scott Gilly--a dependable ball-handler with good court sense--has done everything that Coach Pete Roby has asked of him this season. Sophomore Brian Mackey and freshman Ian Smith have not played much.

Midterm Grade: B+

Swing-Man: Definitely the Crimson's deepest position. The junior trio of Neil Phillips, Kevin Collins and Tedd Evers have split time, and are very solid players. Phillips brings a good shot and solid defense to the starting spot, and sixth-man Collins seems to spark a rally every time he comes into the game. Evers can shoot the lights out--when he's hot.

Midterm Grade: B

Power Forward: Tri-Captain Kyle Dodson began to come around last year, averaging nine points a game. But early this year, Dodson's struggled on the offensive end of the floor. Sophomores Sean Duffy and Brian Ehrlich have not seen much time.

Midterm Grade: C-

Center: Starter David Lang leads the Crimson in shooting percentage, and gets his share of rebounds despite limited time.

Tri-Captain Bill Mohler has been a defensive force, but he isn't a true offensive threat.

Midterm Grade: C