UNC Basketball: Can Joel Berry continue breakout in NCAA Tournament?

Can UNC’s Joel Berry keep up his breakout performance in the NCAA Tournament?

Two words: Joel Berry. Two more words: point guard. Four more words: 2016 ACC Tournament MVP.

Do the math.

This young man has played his butt off this season. His leadership has surpassed the expectations of many people. Keep in mind, Berry is only a sophomore.

It is potentially safe to say that he has two more seasons left in Chapel Hill; however, we do not want to get ahead of ourselves.

As for the present, Berry has proven his worth to the North Carolina Tar Heels and then some. Berry has been consistent the entire season and has scored in double figures in each of the Tar Heels games, except six (Northern Iowa, Kansas State, Texas, Wake Forest, Louisville, Duke). Four of these games resulted in losses for Carolina (Northern Iowa, Texas, Louisville, Duke).

In two games versus Virginia, Berry has posted 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and three assists (first meeting) and 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal (ACC Championship). Berry committed no turnovers in the ACC Finals, although he had three in the first matchup with Virginia. Despite the Cavaliers being Carolina’s toughest opponent this season, Berry elevated his play. His two games against Virginia are two of his best performances this season.

Jan 2, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) reacts after scoring in the second half as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets center Ben Lammers (44) is in the background. The Tar Heels defeated the Yellow Jackets 86-78 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

A great deal of attention has been given to Marcus Paige (preseason ACC Player of the Year) and Brice Johnson (all-American and all-ACC), and rightfully so but Berry has been more consistent than Paige this season.

Throughout Paige’s shooting slumps, Berry has been the standout player who continued to shoot well. Berry has taken tough shots, that were designated for Paige in past years. He has shouldered the burden of being a primary option in the backcourt for the Tar Heels and he has delivered.

Berry is poised for a huge NCAA Tournament. As Berry goes, Carolina goes.

This season, he has solidified himself as one of the top point guards in the conference and the country. Some people question how tough the Tar Heels are.

Well, the ACC Tournament proved their toughness and perhaps their greatness. Their performances also proved that Berry, Hicks Johnson and Paige are four players who can light up the scoreboard.

In addition, Berry plays a major role in getting everyone involved in the offense. His wizardry with the ball has translated to one of Roy’s best Carolina teams…ever.

Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) and guard Joel Berry II (2) celebrate during the second half in game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 85-64. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /

Prior to this season, Berry was on no ones radar to be an impact player for the Tar Heels. His rise to stardom indicates the amount of time he invested in becoming a better player. As a freshman, Berry was a good player. As a sophomore, Berry has become a very good player. Safe to say that he was an all-conference snub. Carolina should have had more than one player (Johnson) making the all-conference teams, since they were the regular season champions.

If Carolina wins the national championship, Berry could potentially be the main reason why. As the floor general, best shooter and underrated defender for the Tar Heels, Berry will continue to demolish opponents with his varied skill set.

If you pressure the offense, Berry will break your press. If you leave him open, he will nail down shots. If you give him space, he will take the rock to the hole. All the makings of star player.

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