Tuesday night will mark the beginning of the end for Joel Berry and Theo Pinson in Tar Heel uniforms, as they take on Miami in their final home game at the Smith Center.
But make no mistake. The impact the duo has had on the program is undeniable.
Tears will stream from both fans, players and coaches alike on Senior Night, recognizing that their playing careers are approaching the final stretch. Chants are sure to arise from the student section. The energy in the building will be tangible.
And for everything they’ve endured over the last four years—giving their blood, sweat and time to Chapel Hill at a period when most top recruits like them are looking for the quickest way out of the college game—they deserve it.
Because for everything we know will happen Tuesday night, there’s one thing that won’t ever happen when it comes to Joel Berry and Theo Pinson.
You won’t forget them.
Joel Berry has positioned himself as the unquestioned leader of the Tar Heels during his four years in Chapel Hill. (Todd Melet)
Two former McDonald’s All-Americans who remained loyal and committed to head coach Roy Williams prior to the 2014-15 season during the height of the investigation into the university’s academics, despite being told by outsiders they’d never play in an NCAA Tournament game.
Two players with opposite personalities who struggled to carve out roles as freshmen, but grew into best friends and key contributors on teams that reached back-to-back Final Fours and won a national championship.
Berry, the stoic leader who never seems fazed by any moment. The dude who won Most Outstanding Player of last year’s Final Four while playing on two bum ankles, and lays claim to the iciest stare this side of the Mississippi.
Pinson, the outgoing fan-favorite who may just be the best dancer UNC has seen since Danny Green was roaming the sidelines almost a decade ago. The guy known for doing a little bit of everything—both on and off the floor—including crashing the team’s press conference prior to its Elite Eight game during the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
It’s become the outlier at the high levels of college basketball to watch players as talented and lovable as they are stick around and accomplish as much as they have.
Fans have seen Berry grow from Marcus Paige’s apprentice into a fearless captain who sets the example everyone else looks up to.
The Florida native, like Paige, will never be the biggest or most athletic player out on the floor. When you think about it, though, how many other players in college basketball would you rather give the ball to in a clutch situation?
Pinson’s ability to drive to the lane and make plays for both himself and others has opened up the UNC offense this season. (Todd Melet)
On the other side, Pinson was once an injury-prone enigma early in his career. Now he’s firmly established himself as the engine that makes the team tick. Tight defense, flashy assists, playing all five positions, dunks to seal up wins over Duke. You name it, he does it.
Well, alright, the crowd still (rightfully) groans when the career 25-percent three-point shooter lets one fly from beyond the arc. But that’s part of the charm.
If the season ended today, their legacy would still live on forever within Tar Heel lore. Berry and Pinson aren’t wired that way, though.
Hard work is what got them to this point, and it’s what the standard they’ll continue to strive for as long as they have time to put on the Carolina blue and beyond.
Past accomplishments aren’t enough to keep them satisfied.
Reaching the first national title game in 2016 before losing to Villanova wasn’t enough. They wanted redemption.
Defeating Gonzaga in last year’s title game got them redemption.
Then the three players who started alongside Berry and Pinson during last year’s run to the national championship—Justin Jackson, Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks—either turned pro or graduated.
People started wondering whether the Tar Heels had enough talent returning to make a run at back-to-back titles, or even just a third straight Final Four.
In response, Pinson developed a motto for this year’s team during the preseason: “Why not?”
Now, entering the final week of the regular season, UNC is ranked No. 9 in the country and is just a half-game behind Duke for second place in the ACC standings.
Junior forward Luke Maye, graduate transfer Cameron Johnson and guard Kenny Williams have been revelations alongside Berry and Pinson in a new-look starting lineup for the Tar Heels. With no player taller than 6-foot-8, this group emphasizes spreading the floor–which allows Pinson the freedom to drive to the lane and create for both himself and his teammates, and Berry to play both on and off the ball.
Having found a groove in recent weeks, UNC is riding a season-high six game win streak and appears poised to prove the doubters wrong.
Pinson said Tuesday the goal is for he and Berry to leave UNC with two national championships and three Final Four appearances in hand. (Todd Melet)
When asked Tuesday at a joint press conference what they think their legacy will be when it’s all said and done, Pinson wasted no time answering first.
“Hopefully, two national championships, three Final Fours,” he said. “That’s the goal. It’s been one hell of a ride. We went from not playing much and trying to contribute as much as we could so we can win, and now we’re in our senior year as important parts of the team trying to lead our guys to the Final Four.”
After pausing for a second to reflect, Pinson added that, “We sound like dads now, a little bit, when we’re talking to the younger guys.”
Two years ago, Williams said Pinson was the first player he’s coached to ever barge in on one of his press conferences.
On Tuesday, however, the old coach returned the favor—crashing in on the moment so he could deliver a message.
“I want you to know you are not the only one who comes in and interrupts people’s press conferences, uninvited,” he said, smiling ear-to-ear.
A smiling Pinson—the obvious target of the joke, who was seated next to Berry, in front of their standing coach—had to get off a joke of his own.
“You just wanted this one moment to be taller than us,” he quipped.
Williams then playfully rubbed Berry’s shoulders, before starting to walk off. As he approached the door, he made sure to add one last thing.
“You guys enjoy these two,” Williams said. “Because I’ve enjoyed the crap out of them.”
Cover photos via Todd Melet
You should check Pinson’s shooting percentage. Better than Berry, Williams, Johnson this year.