Joel Berry, one of the most decorated UNC men’s basketball players of the 21st century, has decided to step away from the hardwood.
JOEL BERRY II STEPS AWAY FROM BASKETBALL!@JoelBerryII spoke to Ceiling is the Roof:
“It has been on my mind for a while, I’ve decided to step away and pursue other opportunities outside of basketball. Huge decision but so happy with it.”
READ MORE AT:https://t.co/pCwyFOgLRA pic.twitter.com/94oFfZPnq5
— George (@britishtarheel) August 25, 2021
Berry didn’t express any regrets about his decision, telling the Ceiling is the Roof podcast, “I feel great! I know I’ll miss [basketball], but I’m ready for what’s next.”
After a quiet freshman season at UNC, Berry quickly made a name for himself in the 2015-16 campaign, starting 39 of 40 games (only sitting during Senior Night), and averaging 12.8 points per game. He was named 2016 ACC Tournament MVP, scoring 19 points in the championship game victory over Virginia, including two free throws to ice the game.
Berry also earned a first team All-ACC selection for the 2017-18 season, when he averaged career-highs in minutes (33.1) and points (17.4) per game.
But his highest honor came when Berry led the Tar Heels to the 2017 national championship, where he was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player after scoring 22 points in the win over Gonzaga. Berry became just the seventh player in NCAA Division I history score 20 points or more in consecutive national championship games.
As for what his next steps are, Berry kept his plans a secret, only saying, “Tar Heel fans might see me back on TV again soon, I’ll leave it at that.”
Featured image via Todd Melet
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