Harvard Basketball: Crimson primed for breakthrough 2019-20 season

3 of 6

FULLERTON, CA – NOVEMBER 23: Jordan Ford #30 of the St. Mary’s Gaels guards Bryce Aiken #11 of the Harvard Crimson as he looks to take a shot in the second half of the game at the Titan Gym on November 23, 2017 in Fullerton, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Bryce Aiken

Bryce Aiken has been an extremely productive player for the Crimson when healthy and should be the team’s best player in 2019-20. The former 4-star recruit (99th in ESPN100) had offers from the likes of Miami, Seton Hall and Auburn and thus came in with high expectations. But after a solid freshman season, the 6-0 guard only played 14 games his sophomore year due to knee issues.

harvard3 /

These issues caused Aiken to miss the first 13 games of last season as well, but he returned in time for conference play. In the absence of Seth Towns, Aiken took his production to another level. Averaging 22.2 points and shooting 39.8% from the 3-point line, he was arguably the best scorer in the conference. Despite not playing the entire season, Aiken’s numbers were still impressive historically.

Aiken was one of only four players last season to average 22.2 points per game, shoot >= 39.8% from the 3-point line, average >= 2.8 made 3’s per game, and shoot >= 85.5% from the foul line (per sports-reference).

Justin Wright-Foreman – Hofstra

Markus Howard – Marquette

Matt Morgan – Cornell

Bryce Aiken – Harvard (in 18 games)

Only 23 NCAA players have met the above statistical criteria since 1992-93, including JJ Redick, Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Damian Lillard, Doug McDermott and Jodie Meeks.

Animated GIF /

Aiken had the 15th highest usage rate in the entire nation last season (partially due to Towns’ absence), and was 11th in fouls drawn per 40 minutes, demonstrating his ability to pressure defenses and get to the line (7.3 FTA per game). Few players convert these freebies better than Aiken (78th best FT% at 85.5%).

As previously discussed, the 3-point shot is a big part of Aiken’s game. 47.1% of his shot attempts came from long-range last season, while only 23.5% of his makes were assisted. This suggests Aiken was taking a fair amount of difficult off-the-dribble attempts, making his 39.8% 3-point percentage all the more impressive.

This level of shooting ability is what has made him an NBA prospect. Aiken entered the draft last season but ultimately opted to return to school (likely wouldn’t have been drafted). He isn’t showing up in early 2020 mock drafts, but a strong senior season could always change that.

Clutch Performer

Aiken has had his share of clutch moments in recent seasons, and he’s the type of player that could pull off a “magical March moment” if the Crimson can find their way into the NCAA Tournament. He put up 38 points in a losing effort in the Ivy League championship game and isn’t a stranger to the buzzer-beater.

Animated GIF /

In terms of areas improvement, Aiken needs to post a better assist-turnover ratio next season (2.6:3.5). As discussed, this was a broader problem for the team, but as Harvard’s lead ball-handler, he needs to set the tone.

Also, although not entirely in his control, Harvard needs Aiken to stay healthy. He’s struggled with injuries over his career, but it’s encouraging that he played each of the final 18 games last season once he returned to the court.