However, the two killer "P's" are a bit down this season, and Clemente is impressed by the individual play and maturity of all of his teammates. As opposed to the 1998-99 squad, everyone knows their role, especially the sophomores who comprise the core of the team.

Clemente also finds that, because of the nature of last season, even the young guys are experienced veterans, which ought to be a large advantage for Harvard.

"When I was elected captain last year, I thought, 'Jeez, this is going to be the easiest job in the world,'" Clemente said with a chuckle. "Everyone in here could be captain. It's more of a group thing-- everybody respects Drew, and what he brings. He leads the defensive end, me on the offensive end, Elliott at the point. Everyone has a role, and that's why I think this team fits so well."

Clemente will soon be a 1,000-point scorer and Harvard's leading three-point shooter. Those records will have to find space on the trophy case next to the Ivy Rookie of the Year, the Player of the Weeks and last season's First Team All-Ivy selection.

But in a way, Clemente has already passed the hardest test. He's still in one piece.