Before making a name for himself on the national stage, he was already turning heads in Florida, where he earned the prestigious title of three-time Florida Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year. That kind of dominance didn’t go unnoticed—naturally, all eyes were on him as he made the jump from Lake Highland Prep to the University of North Carolina. And really, it’s no surprise why. At Lake Highland, he wasn’t just a star; he was a Parade All-American and a McDonald’s All-American, cementing his status as one of the top high school players in the country.
When he arrived at UNC, expectations were sky-high, and despite dealing with injuries that limited his impact as a freshman, he still managed to carve out valuable playing time. But the real breakthrough came later. In 2017, he led the Tar Heels to an NCAA Championship and, fittingly, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament—a well-deserved honor after such a clutch performance.
Off the court, family has always played a big role in his journey. He was born to Joel and Kathie Berry, and growing up, he had a close-knit relationship with his sister, who also pursued athletics at Rollins College. Through every challenge and triumph, the name Berry has stood for resilience, talent, and excellence—both in high school and on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.
He was named Most Valuable Player of the ACC tournament in both 2016 and 2017, showcasing his outstanding performance on the court. He, of course, also made a big impact internationally, winning a gold medal with the United States at the FIBA World U17 Championship. He really stood out during that time, proving himself as a key player both nationally and globally. He continued to build momentum from those early successes, and he has since been recognized for his consistency and leadership. He definitely made a name for himself during those formative years.