If basketball were a game of Monopoly, Harvard men's coach Frank Sullivan would feel like he just received a "Get Out of Jail Free" card.

With his team's overall record now at 4-2 (1-0 Ivy), Sullivan has finally broken out of the losing rut that plagued him during the his first two seasons at Harvard.

The Crimson players are hustling, working hard, pulling for each other and steadily improving in all areas of their game. (See graphic below.)

Most importantly, they're winning. Unlike past seasons, in which the "wait 'til next year" refrain was used more often than the average Harvard student's snooze button, it finally seems that the proverbial future is now.

Granted, Harvard's first six opponents this season have been somewhat weaker than last year's foes. Still, it's difficult to imagine this year's squad falling behind Boston College 32-2 at the beginning of a game, as it did last season.

Because the scoring is more balanced and team defense is tighter, Harvard is simply putting itself in position to win more games. Beating the Crimson is no longer as simple as shutting down one player.

"Last year, we went out a lot of times thinking that Tyler [Rullman '93] had to get 20 [points], but we weren't playing as a team. This year, we know that if one guy doesn't shoulder the load all the time, someone else will," one player said.

Another factor to consider is that Sullivan and his staff are now entering their third season. Coaching players who are accustomed to their system has definitely made a difference.

"I think now that Coach Sullivan has more players that he recruited himself and that those players are used to his style, we're responding better," sophomore Mike Glimore said. "We're just playing a lot more together now than we did before."

Ragin' Rankin: No one has had a bigger hand in Harvard's turnaround than sophomore Darren Rankin. With two consecutive appearances on the Ivy League's weekly Honor Roll, the 6'7" forward has clearly emerged as a force inside.

Rankin's averages of 17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game all rank in the League's top five, as does his .833 shooting percentage from the line.

It is hard to believe that at this time last season, Rankin was still fighting for playing time, often seeming tentative when he entered games. No longer.

"I am just absolutely amazed at how much that kid has improved," said Dartmouth Coach Dave Faucher after his team fell to Harvard on Tuesday. "Last year, he was just a bull in a china shop, but now I barely recognize him.

"He's a real go-to guy for [Coach] Frank [Sullivan] now," Faucher continued. "I mean, this should serve as inspiration for every young player out there. It shows what hard work and patience can do."

Stats, Stats: Rankin isn't the only Harvard player among the Ivy League statistical leaders. Several of his teammates have also leapt out in front in various categories.