BASKETBALL PREVIEW
For the better part of the past decade, Dartmouth's basketball team has been rated to finish at or near the bottom of the Ivy Leage. Not so this winter as the Indians give every sign of showing marked improvement on the 13-12 record last year that was the first winning mark since 1959-60.
As has been the case for the past two years, the Indians are a young team. Coach George Blaney has only three seniors on the squad—Captain John Ryzewic and Bill Jacobson in the front court and guard Jerry O'Brien. "All three are probably destined for reserve activity as a corps of talented juniors and sophomores carry the major burden in the Indians return to a challenging position.
The most spectacular player for the Green will probably be James Brown, the sophomore guard from Long Island City who was a member of the 12-man Pre-Olympic team that toured Europe last August. Brown had a 28.7-point average as a freshman and will team with juniors Paul Erland and Jim Masker, the 6-5 forward and 6-10 center, plus sophs Robin Derry (6-5) and Bud Martin (6-5).
Blaney's problem at the moment is health. Derry's is the worst of a rash of ankle sprains during pre-season and Masker, 25 pounds heavier this season at 230 pounds, can be a crushing rebounder if his knees are solid.
Martin is a deft passer and capable shooter who will swing between front and backcourt and will probably share time with two juniors, John VanKurin and Gary Dicovitsky. These two were starters last year.
The season gets away on December 1 against Vermont and the Ivy race will start with a key game at Harvard (also much improved) on December 5. The Indians are competing in the Milwaukee Classic and at St. Louis University during the holidays. The Milwaukee opener is against Marquette, the defending National Invitation Tournament champion.
Halfback John Short '71 ranks as oneof Dartmouth's greatest offensive stars.Going into the Penn game, his season'srecord stood at 633 yards rushing, fora 4.6 average, plus 316 yards on thereceiving end of 21 passes. His 12touchdowns make him the top scorer.
