Commentary

Player Preview- Nolan Berry

by Tyler Hicks

Welcome to the second 2013-2014 player preview. Each will be broken down into three sections: Player Comparison, Player Breakdown, and This Season’s Outlook. In the Player Comparison section, I’ll be comparing each current Bulldog player to a past or present NBA or college player. More than anything, I will be comparing styles of play. In the Player Breakdown section, I’ll be breaking down the Bulldog player’s game focusing on strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, in the This Season Outlook section, I will go through what to expect this coming season from the player including predictions for roles and statistics.

For the Khyle Marshall preview- https://thebarkofhinkle.com/2013/08/13/player-preview-khyle-marshall/

 

NOLAN BERRY #22
F/C/6’10/240 lbs
Freshman

 

PLAYER COMPARISON- Erik Murphy (University of Florida/Chicago Bulls)

Both of these stretch 4/5s have solid inside games with the ability to step out past the three-point line. They have smooth strokes from outside the lane and really can make the opposing team pay if left open. Berry and Murphy lack great athleticism, but can cover it up by making smart and effective plays. Here are some stats from Murphy’s freshman year at Florida, which I think will end up very similar to Berry’s:

11 mpg, 4 ppg, 2 rpg, 0.5 bpg, 51% FG, 40% 3pt FG

 

PLAYER BREAKDOWN

Strengths:

  • Outside Shot
  • Size
  • Post Moves
  • Solid Ball-Screen Defender

Weaknesses:

  • No college experience
  • Not super athletic

We will continue to find out more of Berry’s strengths and weaknesses as the season progresses.

 

THIS SEASON’S OUTLOOK

Stats Prediction:

10 mpg, 4 ppg, 2 rpg, 40% 3pt FG

Berry will have a chance earn some minutes at the forward and center positions. He will most likely come off the bench and provide depth behind Erik Fromm, Kameron Woods, and Khyle Marshall. He might remind many fans of a more polished Fromm. If Butler wants to make any sort of push for the NCAA tournament this year, Berry and the rest of the bigs will have to have tremendous seasons.