As the leading scorer on the men's soccer team, Ben Premo '09 isn't used to riding the bench. But starting this winter, that's what he'll be doing on the men's basketball team: Functioning primarily as a practice-squad player."It's not a glamorous position," men's basketball coach Brian Meehans says. Nevertheless, the five-foot-ten, 175-pound Premo's unique combination of size, speed and strength make him a formidable opponent in any sport.

"He's one of the best athletes I've ever coached," men's soccer coach Mike Coven says. "He could pick up any sport."

Meehan obviously agrees, and he targeted Premo for a spot on his team. Meehan heard about Premo's desire to play for a junior varsity basketball team and saw his athletic prowess. With an open spot on the roster, he decided to give Premo a shot.

"He can run, he jumps extremely well and he's a smart and aggressive player," Meehan says. "Those qualities alone will give him an opportunity to compete."

Since Premo has not played competitive basketball since his sophomore year of high school, he's far behind the rest of his teammates. And his role will be far from the star status he enjoys on the soccer team. As a practice player, he'll have to use his aggressiveness, strength and speed to push players, and earn whatever minutes he can.

"I am hoping he can come to practice and push these guys to work hard," Meehan said.

Since Premo's opportunities to play in games will be rare, he will not even travel with the team. His role will be even more limited by his lack of practice time with the basketball team. Since the soccer season and basketball preseason practices conflict-the men's soccer season ended Sunday-he is a month behind everyone else.

"I just want to do whatever I can to help out in practice and make everyone work harder," Premo says. "My role is to work hard on defense in practice, make the guards work hard and just be a cheerleader in games."

He also looks forward to playing a sport in a less pressure-filled role.

"I don't really have any expectations, so I can just fly under the radar," he said. "I'm pumped.