BOSTON, Mass. - The Harvard men's basketball
team held its annual Awards Banquet Friday evening at the Harvard
Club of Boston to put the finishing touches on the 2008-09
season.
The six major awards, which were voted on by team members, were
announced. The first award of the night was the Warren Smith Award
for JV Contribution, which recognizes a member of the JV team for
his commitment and contributions to the program's success.
That award was given to Robert Watson.
The first varsity award handed out was the Henry Zimmerman Free
Throw Shooting Accuracy Award, which went to Drew Housman who made
84 of 107 attempts (.785).
Next was the Floyd S. Wilson Sportsmanship Award, presented
annually to the Harvard player whose respect for sportsmanship
recalls the manner and values of Floyd Wilson, head coach of
Harvard from 1954 through 1968. That award went to Jeremy Lin.
Next, the John Harnice '84 Spirit Award, which is presented
to the player who best exemplifies John's spirit, dedication,
and concern for his fellow man. Senior captain Andrew Pusar took
home the honor.
Next was the Hamilton Fish '10 Award, presented annually to the
Most Improved Player on the Harvard men's basketball team. The
award is named for the former Harvard football All-America, whose
commitment to improving himself and the lives of others was
evidenced throughout his life. Fish was a hero in the first World
War, and later served as a distinguished congressman from New York.
Junior forward Doug Miller was selected for the award after
starting the first 18 games and shooting over 70 percent from the
floor before breaking his foot at the start of Ivy League play.
Lastly, the Raymond P. Lavietes '36 Most Valuable Player
Award was presented. Named for the former standout and loyal
supporter of Harvard's athletic programs, Ray Lavietes was a
model of generosity, mentoring, friendship and philanthropy. His
mantra was quality of life for players at all levels. Junior Jeremy
Lin earned the honor for the second straight year after being the
only player in Division I to rank among the top 10 in his
conference in every statistical category.
Lastly, the announcement of the 2009-10 captain was made. In
ballot voting, Doug Miller and Jeremy Lin tied for the honor
meaning that Harvard will have two captains for the first time
since the 1990-91 season when Ralph James and Ron Mitchell
captained the team. Lin and Miller will be the 109th and 110th
captains of Harvard men's basketball.
