No one player is going to replace the production of Damian Lillard for Weber State, or even necessarily come close. Last year, Lillard had one of the best seasons in Big Sky history, and was selected sixth in the NBA draft. Those are huge shoes to fill.
One of the guys that will be tasked with helping to fill that void, especially in the scoring department, is Davion Berry.
Berry was a transfer player, which meant that he sat out all of last season. Last season, those close to the team and those who were able to see them practice were constantly talking about how impressive Berry was, and how he would have a big role and impact this season when he became eligible.
Berry played two seasons ago at Cal State Monterey Bay, a Division II school. In his sophomore year, he was fifth in DII with over 23 PPG, and he scored over 20 points in 18 of 26 games. He also averaged five rebounds per game along with 2.5 assists. He could score from all over, as he shot 40% from downtown and over 80% from the charity stripe. He excelled at getting to the line, as he led the country in free throw attempts.
Here is a good video from his game two years ago where he scored 41 points. He is not an elite athlete, but he can create his own shot, come off screens, hit from anywhere, and has a good release. He should score plenty in his first season in the Big Sky.
Weber State fans, anything I am missing about this guy?
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Berry is going to be great this year. I'm sure after some hard work and dedication that he's going to be NBA bound also. The kid isn't afraid of hard work.
ReplyDeleteI coached against Davion in high school and he was always a tremendous scorer. I always thought that he was a legit low to mid major player out of high school but due to his lack of perceived athleticism he was overlooked by many coaches and ended up at a DII. He will be an excellent Big Sky scorer. He has a deceptive first step with nice change of pace, a high release on his jumper, can hit off the dribble or spot up, and is an excellent mid range scorer. He certainly should replace some of Dame's scoring but I think 14-18 pts/game is likely what he will average.
ReplyDeleteBerry shouldn't be overlooked because he came from a D2. Hardwork and dedication pays off and The BSC will definitely see he's a strong factor to be reckoned with.
ReplyDeleteCurious as to why people don't think this kid is a good athlete, anybody know?
ReplyDeleteThanks all for the comments and insight on his game.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone is saying he is not a good athlete, just not necessarily an elite one. That is not one of the best parts about his game. That is fine though... the Big Sky is not exactly a conference brimming with athleticism, and I don't think that will hold him back much at all at this level.
NBA SCOUTS ARE ALREDAY DROOLING OVER THIS KID.He graduated high school at an early age and paid his dues at a D2 school,he had major colleges lininig up to recruit him after Monterey but chose Weber Look for big things from this young man.
ReplyDeleteps he led the nation in froo throw attemps as a guard!!
I had a chance to see this kid play at CSUMB...was shocked at how cool and collected this kid is. Plays well under pressure and usually has a strong family following. I clearly can see why you would say he isn't an elite athlete but one can argue that hard work can change that...along with focus. I do see Berry NBA bound. I don't doubt that. Looking forward to seeing Berry quiet critics up!
ReplyDeleteDavion is at weber because of lillard.....they grew up together and played AAU together.....u will see a lot of similarities on and off the court
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