Not only are current Harvard basketball players happy about the Crimson's NCAA tournament berth, but some of the school's old stars — including Don Swegan of the 1946 Crimson team — are thrilled as well.
Swegan, who also played baseball and football for the Crimson, was the last player to score for Harvard in the NCAA tournament.
His most memorable moment at Harvard came after a 46-38 loss to Ohio State. Swegan spotted Babe Ruth during the NIT tournament at Madison Square Garden. He still can't get over the fact that he never asked for an autograph despite sitting right next to The Babe, according to ESPN.com.
Swegan has reportedly been following Harvard's hoops program ever since he left after one season, and he really didn't think it would take such an extended period of time for the school to make it back to March Madness.
"I had no conception that it would take this long," said Swegan. "It sure is something."
Swegan has reached out to Harvard coach Tommy Amaker over the past two seasons to wish him the best.
"We had a nice chat," Swegan told ESPN.com about his most recent phone call to Amaker.
And with the Crimson tourney-bound, all is well with the program at the moment, and Swegan is ready to cheer them on.
"I have wondered for a long time if this would happen," Swegan said. "It has brought me a lot closer to Harvard the last two years. I hadn't had much contact for a long time. I didn't graduate there. But Tommy's success with the team has gotten me reconnected. I'm quite excited about the possibilities and so pleased that they're doing well. It's a great thing. I hope I can be there."
