North Carolina Basketball: Joel Berry II returning for his senior season
By Michael Foy
On Tuesday, North Carolina basketball point guard Joel Berry II announced that he will return for his senior season of college basketball.
Well, that was fast. Two days after declaring that he will test the NBA waters and not hire an agent, Joel Berry II has announced that he will return to North Carolina for his senior season.
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Berry announced his decision in the statement below:
“After speaking to my family I have decided to withdraw from the 2017 Draft and will return to Carolina next season,” Berry said in a statement. “I know I can continue to improve my game and be better prepared for the NBA after another year playing against the best college competition in the country. There’s no reason to rush leaving school. I love being a Tar Heel and love playing for Carolina and Coach Williams.
“My family and I have enjoyed every part of playing at Carolina. I am proud of what we have accomplished in my first three seasons as a Tar Heel and am excited about our team next year, the chance to continue to improve in all areas of the game and the opportunity to complete my education and earn my degree.”
The returning Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four will officially return to the Tar Heels and that has left Carolina fans everywhere ecstatic.
Berry is the catalyst that makes the up-tempo Carolina offense go. Getting him back next season is huge for the Heels. On the season, the junior point guard averaged 14.7 points, 3.1 rebound, and 3.6 assists per game.
This upcoming draft is full of great point guards like Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Dennis Smith Jr., and De’Aaron Fox, leaving Berry’s draft status in limbo.
Overall, it will give Berry a chance to improve on his game and make the leap next year in a class that may not be as point guard heavy.
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The North Carolina faithful will most likely have to wait until May 24th to find out the decisions of junior Theo Pinson and freshman Tony Bradley, who also decided to test the NBA waters without signing an agent. Until then, celebrate Tar Heel fans. Your first step to repeating has officially been made.