Deon Berrien participates in a workout with fellow players. PN Photo/Ja’Quel Wiliams
By: Ja’Quel Williams, Web Editor
Deon Berrien chose to transfer from Lander University to UNCP to play for Coach Drew Richards. Berrien is a six foot six, two hundred pound forward from Augusta, Georgia.
Berrien has been described as tough-nosed and versatile, with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and defend against anyone on the opposing squad.
“Deon’s best attribute is his competitive motor. He always practices and plays as hard as he can in order to give his team the best advantage he can in order to give his team the best advantage on the floor,” Coach Richards said. “Whether it be offense, defense, or rebounding, Deon plays at his full effort level. Deon brings a very versatile skill set both offensively and defensively. He can score inside, at midrange, and from the perimeter on different types of defenders and he can also guard almost every position on the floor.”
During his last year at Lander, Berrien averaged 13.4 points per game on 44.4 percent shooting, while shooting 42 percent from behind the arc and 87.5 percent shooting from the free throw line. He also averaged 6.2 rebounds and three assists a game while blocking a total 14 shots and collecting 14 steals throughout the season. Berrien’s numbers placed him in the
top 20 in the league in scoring, rebounding, and assists, and also earned him his second All-Peach Belt Conference honors.
Berrien is very excited to kick off the season in October and feels like the Braves have an opportunity to do something very special.
“My Reason for choosing Pembroke is mostly because of Coach Drew and the wide window
we have of doing some special things. The talent here is incredible and adding myself puts it over the top. I feel I add leadership, versatility, and also toughness to the team. Playing wise it’s nothing I can’t do so I add a little of everything: playmaking and shooting, defense also,” Berrien said.
The Braves kick-off their season on November 12 in Newberry, South Carolina as they take on the Newberry Wolves as part of the Conference Challenge, but for preview of Berrien and the Braves’ six new signees, catch them in action on October 21 during Moonlight Madness.
Moonlight Madness starts at 8 p.m. and will be held inside Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court as part of the 2021 Homecoming festivities.