Berry being back on the floor will be a welcome sight for NU fans.
Who is he?
Grad student; guard; 6-foot-3; from Newton Kansas
2023-24 stats
23 games, 23 starts, 29.7 minutes per game, 11.6 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, 1.4 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, 44.9% FG, 43.3% 3PT, 89.5% FT
2023-24 review
Berry is coming off an injury-shortened season after tearing his meniscus in early February against Nebraska. It was a huge loss for the ‘Cats, as he’d taken a huge step from his third season to his fourth. Prior to his injury, Berry had shown remarkable development, especially in his shooting. He elevated his three-point percentage from 29.1% in the 2022-23 season to an impressive 43.3% last year.
Throughout the season, Berry delivered standout performances when it mattered most. He scored 21 and 25 points in critical games against Purdue and added 22 points in a dominant victory over Michigan State. His scoring prowess made him an invaluable asset to NU’s team.
Despite a sluggish start to begin the season, where he recorded three games with fewer than 10 points, Berry found his rhythm with five consecutive games of 13 points or more during non-conference play. He carried this momentum into January, averaging 14 points per game in conference matchups. Unfortunately, his injury against Nebraska sidelined one of the conference’s premier shooters, significantly hindering NU’s offensive effectiveness. However, one positive of this setback is that it allowed Nick Martinelli to step into a starting role and showcase his talent. Still, it was much tougher offensively for the ‘Cats, and they especially missed him in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament.
Berry also demonstrated his defensive prowess last season, averaging 1.3 steals per game and recording three or more steals in four separate outings. As a fifth-year senior, he’s a crucial yet often underrated presence on the defensive end, anchoring Northwestern’s guard play with tenacity and skill.
Strengths
As most ‘Cats fans likely know, Berry’s primary strength is that he’s a terrific shooter. His impressive 43.3% shooting percentage last season placed him among the elite in both the conference and the country. Throughout his four years at Northwestern, the Kansas native’s shooting has evolved: from 36.5% in his freshman year to 38.8% as a sophomore, then a challenging 29.1% in his junior season, before making a remarkable comeback in his senior year. His prowess extends to the free-throw line, where he shot an outstanding 89.5% last season–an invaluable asset when it comes to sealing games.
Defensively, Berry brings a lot to the table as well. He is adept at staying in front of his man and will likely be a candidate for this season’s conference all-defensive team. Often overlooked in this aspect of his game, his presence will be crucial for the team’s defensive gameplan. Berry is also a terrific rebounder for his size. Despite standing at 6’3”, Berry plays bigger than his size suggests, averaging 4.8 and 3.9 rebounds over the past two seasons. Last year, he was fourth on the team in rebounding, highlighting his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.
While this strength isn’t a physical one, Berry’s energy is undeniable. His upbeat, positive attitude is contagious, creating a ripple effect across the team. Even during his time off the court due to injury, he was always there, bringing enthusiasm from the sidelines and acting as the team’s biggest supporter. This season, with Berry back on the floor, his presence will be even more impactful, lifting team spirits with an energy and personality that can elevate everyone around him.
Weaknesses
Although Berry was a great player last season, he experienced occasional lulls where he wasn’t as prominent on the offensive end or became passive after missing shots. While Berry showcased his ability to catch fire from beyond the arc, developing more consistency will be crucial for him, particularly as the team seeks a reliable scorer in clutch situations.
While Berry’s strengths lie in his shooting, developing a more dynamic offensive approach—particularly by adding a strong drive to the basket—could make him even more difficult for opponents to guard. His ball-handling, however, remains an area for growth. Last season, he averaged 1.1 turnovers per game, which, though seemingly modest, was the third-highest on the team. Improved ball-handling skills would not only expand his playmaking capabilities but also allow him to create his own shot more effectively, keeping defenders off balance and making him a threat in multiple ways.
If he can sharpen these areas, Berry has the potential to evolve into a complete offensive weapon. By driving with confidence and limiting turnovers, he could command more attention from defenders, opening up opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
Expectations
As Berry returns from injury, he may initially need time to re-establish his rhythm. However, given his consistent improvement over four years with Northwestern, there’s ample reason to believe he’ll continue to elevate his game. With Buie’s graduation, Berry will likely see more on-ball opportunities, sharing playmaking responsibilities with Brooks Barnhizer, Nick Martinelli, and Jalen Leach. This role will provide Berry with the perfect platform to take his game to the next level, particularly if he can diversify his offensive repertoire.
If Berry can be a consistent 12-15 point scorer for NU this season, the team will gladly take it. His impact is felt in many ways other than scoring though with his defense and attitude. Berry was one of NU’s best recruits, and he’s lived up to the billing in his last few years with the program. His decision to choose the ‘Cats over offers from programs like Iowa, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Colorado, and Creighton speaks volumes about his commitment and belief in the potential of Northwestern basketball.
This year presents an exciting opportunity for him to elevate his game even further and solidify his place in NU’s basketball history. With his work ethic and determination, there’s no doubt Berry will leave a lasting legacy, making this final season one to remember for both him and the ‘Cats.