"My dad played football at Notre Dame, and then transferred to Boston College where he was captain," Clemente said. "The funny thing is that in my generation, none of us play football because we are all messed up. But basketball was fine with me."

And for Harvard, that is a very fine thing indeed.

Harvard nearly lost the talented forward to the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Clemente had a difficult time deciding between the two schools and their basketball programs during recruiting.

"I was actually going to St. Louis," Clemente said. "I went on the visit, and they gave me the scholarship and everything. I was sitting down to sign it, and my dad was really pushing Harvard."

After much thought and deliberation, Clemente put down his pen and decided to head to Harvard instead.

"I just decided," Clemente said. "I think I made a decision beyond my years, a mature decision. I mean, how can you turn down Harvard? That's basically what it came down to, and I'm very happy with my decision."

Harvard is just as happy. In his years here, Clemente has been an exceptional performer and a forceful presence on the court. This season, the Crimson will rely heavily on Clemente and his skills to guide the way.