With sophomore guard Adam Gore leading the charge, the Cornell men's basketball team shone in its first game of the season at Northwestern, knocking off a Big Ten opponent for the first time since 1967.
Just as Gore appeared sufficiently talented - and mature - to carry the Big Red (8-7) on his back, the team learned that a mild injury was in fact a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the win over the Wildcats. The reigning Ivy Rookie of the Year would only watch for the rest of the season.
Now without its star player, Cornell will have to rely heavily on its talented freshmen to pick up the slack throughout the Ivy League season and improve on last year's third-place finish.
After losing Gore, the Big Red dropped seven of their next 10 games, but freshman small forward Ryan Wittman and first-year guard Louis Dale rose to the occasion. Both have captured Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors three times thus far.
Filling in admirably for Gore, Dale ignited a turnaround last week, averaging 11 points and 6.7 assists in three straight victories.
Meanwhile, Wittman has cemented himself in the starting lineup as the team's leading scorer. At 6-foot-6, he can shoot the three as well as Gore did last year, converting 50 of 110 attempts from behind the arc this season. Unlike Gore, he can muscle up on the inside as well.
"He's a very sound basketball player," coach Steve Donahue told The Cornell Sun. "It's not like I'm coaching a freshman out there - already I can tell you that. He's a terrific passer. . He's a very good shooter and he's got good size, so he has a lot of weapons."
Senior guard Graham Dow brings leadership and experience to the young group, with his role on and off the court increasing in Gore's absence. He has recovered well from off-season surgery and, despite being hampered by injuries throughout much of his career, has proven to be the Big Red's best passer.
Rounding out the starting five are 6-foot-10 senior Andrew Naeve and 6-foot-7 sophomore Brian Kreefer, who plays both forward positions.
Sophomore Jason Battle - who can play either guard or forward - adds versatility to the roster, as he has contributed consistently in a starting role and off the bench. With a lauded work ethic and the ability to defend several positions, classmate Conor Mullen has also provided help off the bench.
In order for Cornell to have a shot at winning its first Ivy League title since 1988, Donahue - now in his seventh season as head coach - will have to work with his young forwards to improve on the boards, as the Big Red was frequently outrebounded during nonconference play.
Cornell hosts the Quakers on Friday night to start its Ivy League season.
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