Dec. 17, 2003 (updated Dec. 22, 2003)

by Scott D. Morse

A year ago, Lafayette basketball fans were left to wonder how many of the Leopards' games might have ended up if the squad had a little more depth. Going just eight or nine deep throughout most of the 2002-03 season, Fran O'Hanlon's Leopards lost eight games by 10 points or less en route to a final record of 13-16.

There were many contests - including the Patriot League Tournament semifinal vs. American - that Lafayette faithful were left wondering how the squad might had fared if each starter didn't average more than 30 minutes per game over the course of the season and actually had fresh legs when it mattered most- the last five minutes of close games.

Well, wonder no more.

This season's squad is deep. Actually, it's very deep compared to last season. O'Hanlon has gone at least 10 deep in every game and nine Leopards have scored in each of the last six contests. Those numbers are already vastly improved from a year ago.

More importantly, though, these Leopards are fun to watch.

They are confident and assertive on offense, tenacious and scrappy on defense, and poised when the game is on the line. Floor burns caused by chasing down a loose ball have become one of the squad's most common recurring injuries. Even Jamie Hughes, all 7-foot, 280-pounds of him, has hit the floor and come up with a few key possessions.

One of the most important traits already apparent with this squad is the leadership provided by its upperclassmen. The four senior starters - Winston Davis, Justin DeBerry, Rob Dill and Mike Farrell - know how to win games and it shows.

One look at the early-season resume tells the story:

• A 7-1 record, the program's best start since the 1998-99 season.

• An RPI rating as high as 27 by collegerpi.com, which is the highest in recent memory.

• Home wins by narrow margins over St. Peter's of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and Binghamton of the America East Conference. Each was picked to finish toward the top of their respective leagues.

• A 20-point home victory over La Salle of the Atlantic 10 Conference, a league annually ranked as one of the strongest in the country.

• A tough road loss at Rutgers in the season opener after leading by nine with just under 12 minutes remaining, which has proved to be a good lesson learned by the two young Leopard point guards - sophomore Pat Betley and freshman Marcus Harley.

Justin DeBerry dives on the floor to help the Leopards gain possession in a hard-fought win over Binghamton.

Combine this resume with an exciting atmosphere and you have a solid recipe for exciting entertainment.

Kirby Sports Center has a reputation for its great crowds and fan support for the Leopards. Lafayette has led the Patriot League in attendance five of the last six seasons thanks to the support of its fans. In fact, Lafayette still holds the second-highest total attendance mark for the Patriot League Tournament.

This season has been a little different. Yes, the Leopards are still among the Patriot League leaders in average attendance, but 1,597 per game certainly doesn't compare to many of the recent seasons.

The shame of it all is that fans who haven't seen this team play are missing out on a squad that is extremely fun to watch.

The good news is that three quarters of the season remains.

Scott Morse is the director of athletic communications and promotions at Lafayette and a frequent GoLeopards.com columnist.