Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: What to watch for in 2016-17

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kenny Williams (24), guard Nate Britt (0), and forward Kennedy Meeks (right) react during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kenny Williams (24), guard Nate Britt (0), and forward Kennedy Meeks (right) react during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Berry an All-American?

Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
USA-Today Sports /

As a freshman, Joel Berry showed flashes of potential. As a sophomore, he showed flashes of greatness.

In his first year at UNC Berry played a supporting role, coming off the bench in place of starters Marcus Paige and J.P. Tokoto. He averaged 13.2 minutes per game, gathering a modest 4.2 points, 1.5 assists, 0.9 rebounds and 0.4 steals per game.

Throughout the season, his growth and progression were evident. His hard work was paying off and he was becoming a reliable reserve in Roy Williams’ system. After all, at some point he would have the starting job and need to provide the Tar Heels with starter minutes and productivity.

The starting job came sooner than he thought it would. To the surprise of just about everyone, Tokoto decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NBA Draft, leaving Berry to jump into the starting lineup as a sophomore.

With the permanent shift of Marcus Paige to his natural shooting guard position, it would be Berry that would play the point and run the offense.

And he flourished in the role.

In his second season at UNC Berry played over 30 minutes a game, averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He scored double-digit points in 33 of their 40 games and averaged only 1.6 turnovers per game as the primary ball-handler.

He scored 20 points in the national championship game, most of which came in the first half, sparking the five point Tar Heels lead at halftime.

Joel Berry will be the catalyst for this Tar Heels team in the upcoming season. As he goes, so too will the team. He has the capability of being one of the best Tar Heels to ever put on the uniform.

He may have to be if they want to cut down the nets in 2017.

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