Harvard University men’s basketball is kicking off their 2023-24 season with a game against UMass Boston on Monday night. The game will take place at Lavietes Pavilion and will be broadcasted on ESPN+. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming matchup.
This will be the first meeting between Harvard and UMass Boston. Harvard’s senior forward, Justice Ajogbor, had an impressive season last year, ranking third in the Ivy League for blocks per game and contributing to the team’s success. He will be a key player to watch in this game.
Another player to keep an eye on is sophomore forward Chisom Okpara, who had a strong performance last season, scoring in double figures multiple times. He was also named Ivy League Rookie of the Week four times.
Harvard also has several other talented players in their backcourt, including juniors Louis Lesmond, Denham Wojcik, and Tyler Simon, as well as sophomore Chandler Piggé. These players will provide depth and experience to the team.
In the frontcourt, Harvard has senior forward Josh Hemmings and sophomore center Matt Filipowski. Both players will play a crucial role in the team’s success.
The Crimson has also added five talented first-year players to their roster. Guard Malik Mack, who was named the 2022-23 Gatorade Player of the Year for Washington, D.C., is among the new additions.
Harvard held its annual Crimson Madness preseason event, which gave fans a chance to see the team in action before the season. The event included team introductions, skills challenges, and a post-event autograph session.
Off the court, Harvard announced that the men’s basketball locker room will be renamed in honor of Tommy Amaker, the head coach, following his retirement. Amaker will be the first Black coach in Harvard history to receive such an honor.
Harvard also had a successful foreign tour in Canada, where they played several games and had the opportunity to explore the cities they visited. The team showed great performance, with players like Chisom Okpara and Evan Nelson leading the way.
Unfortunately, Evan Nelson will miss the upcoming season due to an Achilles injury. He was a key contributor to the team last year and will be missed.
Despite the challenges, Harvard is ready to start their season strong. With a talented roster and experienced players, they are poised for success. Be sure to tune in and support the Crimson as they take on UMass Boston in their season opener!