BASKETBALL

Coach Doggie Julian, now in his fourteenth year as head basketball coach, is faced with a rebuilding job. Gone from last year's lineup is playmaker Barry Elson and guard Steve Spahn, the highest scorer in Dartmouth history. At the same time six of Doggie's first twelve players missed most of the pre-season drills as a result of injuries — three of these players aren't expected back until the winter term, and finally three players, who might have figured in the basketball picture did not turn out.

If and when Coach Julian has all his injured players back, he will field a team which will boast of only one senior, captain Fran Hanlon, three other lettermen, and at least six sophomores,

As a result of the injuries to key players, the starting lineup for the first two games was juggled but to no avail. The Indians lost to Vermont in overtime 80-73 and to New Hampshire 75-66. When the team is in perfect health the lineup may look like this: Hanlon or Lance Roberts at center; Chris Kinum and Davis Blaine the forwards and Vic Mair and Mike O'Connell the guards.

Hanlon's career has been marred by injuries, including an ankle sprain which has sidelined him this winter. A Deer-field Academy graduate, he has both the size (6-5) and the potential for becoming a fine boardman. Roberts, who led the freshman team in scoring last winter has also been idled by an injury and saw only limited service against New Hampshire. A third center, letterman Mike Buckley (6-5) is still out with an ankle injury and may not see action until the winter term.

In the forecourt, Coach Julian has letterman Davis Blaine, a 6-4 junior from Gary, Ind. Of those returning from last year's team, Blaine has the best average - 12.1 points a game. His partner up front will be Chris Kinum, who is regarded as a fine sophomore prospect. He also plays center and moved into that position against New Hampshire when both Hanlon and Roberts were sidelined.

In the back court it looks like Vic Mair, a 6-1 junior, and Mike O'Connell, also a 6-1 junior, will get the starting nod. Mair lettered last year but saw action only as a reserve. His teammate O'Connell played even less. Both have improved, however, and could be a big influence in the Indians' attempt to vacate the Ivy League cellar.

Other players, who have already figured in the first two games, are guards Neil Castaldo and Barry Machado, a pair of sophomores, each standing but 5-9. Bob Page, a reserve center on last year's freshman team, has also seen action as a result of injuries to Hanlon and Roberts. Of the players not turning out, the biggest loss was that of letterman Bill Madden, who was injured playing football.

Overall the basketball situation should improve as the season progresses, but the Green will still lack depth and may also be hurt on defense. Whether or not it can improve on last year's 7-18 record remains to be seen.