Jesse James Berry (The Outlaw)
March 8, 2010 Tom Blackburn 
Best...shirt...everNext to providing pertinent analysis and accurate information, there is nothing the majority of Blackburn Review writers despise more than discussing recruiting. Regardless, Ollie's last post, specifically his take on Jesse James Berry, got my attention.
Indulge me by checking out this excerpt from WLFI.com, won't you?
Earlier this season, a decision was made by coach Bunnell and the Berry family to sit him out for a couple of games. They made this decision to show Berry the high expectations they have for him both on and off the court.
Berry says, "Yes, I do think it was the best for me. I had a little adjustment with coach. We were kind of into it, but I got my head on straight and I'm back with my coach and everything's cool, so we're good."
Coach Bunnell explains, "His mom and me got together. We felt like we needed to make sure he was going in the right direction. Not just basketball wise, but off the court stuff, and he handled that extremely well."
Just so we are clear, when your coach sits you down for a few games as a "little adjustment" -- that's not promising. Especially considering that Berry is one of the better players in the state and essentially carries his team on offense. Is anyone else excited for Berry's freshman season?
Additionally, there is this gem on YouTube. I'm not sure if it's Jesse's friends/teammates fucking with him, or if it's just someone with an ax to grind. Either way, you're in good company if you have a rap song dedicated to your selfishness while you are still in high school. That's big time, folks. One way or another, I got a feeling this kid is leaving UD as a legend.
A shoot first, shoot again combo guard (with an apparent attitude problem and an aversion to playing defense) in Brian Gregory's system? No way this ends poorly, right?
Lastly, let's get some A-10 tournament related info out there.
Richmond at 5/1? That's what you call a value bet. At 13/2, Saint Louis is just slightly more favored to win in AC than your Flyers. Personally, I kind of like UD's probable schedule in the A-10 tournament. If UD gets by George Washington, they would face Xavier (UD has more than held their own against the Muskies this year) and then likely Richmond (the Spiders lack of rebounding means they are always vulnerable). I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'...
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Charlotte
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15/1
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Dayton
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8/1
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Rhode Island
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10/1
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Richmond
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5/1
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St Louis
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13/2
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Temple
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3/2
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Xavier
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7/4
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Field
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15/1
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Reader Comments (25)
"He'd rather get 50 than 47 and 1"
Best line ever. We need an Iverson type at this school. I hope this guy is B-Rob part II with attitude.
@John: that was my favorite line as well. Just a great production all around.
I hoping for a Sprewell situation next year, fingers crossed.
This is why we need a Charlie Little type, the threat of violence is a powerful tool on a young man.
All year UD has missed that guy who can step up and take big shots and drain them. Rob Lowery loves to shoot, but he sucks, so cross him off the list. It wouldn't shock me if this kid transfers, but who the hell cares. Just leave that scholarship open for the year after to get some balance to the classes.
In all likelyhood, either Spearman or Berry will transfer after year one after seeing very little action.
i could be less concerned about his off court problems if he gives UD a guy who can create his own shot. that is what we are desperately lacking, nobody can create off the dribble and pull up and hit a jumper. hopefully he pans out
"He bring it up the court, they yellin 'Jesse I'm open!'
But he don't really care because the rim is what he scopin' "
I think we have the next Wiz Khalifa.
Love it.
If we give up a little defense with Berry for someone that create their own shot on offense then I'm okay with it. At the very least, it means BG is slightly abandoning that amazing UD "system" Have we confirmed if Jesse has a twitter account? B/c that thing has got to be awesome.
@Blackburn-Are you guys just going to copy and paste your GW recon/preview from the game in January?
In reality Berry will be cut down (both with basketball and personally) the minute he moves on campus, almost all freshmen are. Coaches cut them down to rebuild them, especially "system" guys like BG. Next year's class is too big, someone will get shuffled out and transfer. It'll be the guy that can't or refuses to be rebuilt as a player. The only way that might not happen is if Devin Oliver redshirts, which is a good possibility if Wright comes back.
Give me cocky, me first ballhog high school kids every day of the week. Team first model citizens on the floor grow up to be Kurtis Huelsman.
Here is my perfect scenario: Gregory calls a Code Red on Kavanaugh (or a Cripe, if you will), then brings in a JUCO big man with a neck tattoo and a prior gun possession charge. Then, and only then, will I believe that BG "gets it," and is ready to turn the corner.
St Johns is currently up 15 on UConn just before half.
OMG dood we culd totaly still get a bid!!!!1!!!1!!1!11
Just got a great visual of Tom Cruise interrogating BG on the stand. A Few Good Men II-Starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, BG, and Matt Kavanaugh.
@Blackburn-You're right-a guy with a neck tattoo would really bring the swag back.
The real question is how will Dayton replace losing three white guys from their roster? One who starts every game?
Ever since my arrival on campus in 2003, Dayton has had two starting white people in their lineup until this current season (03-04, Finn and Wally ... 04-05, Meachum, Alvarez (they count, skin) ... 05 to 07-08, Huelsman, Binnie ... 08-10, Huelsman) . Next year there will be zero white guys starting ... which could be very bad.
With Luke and Kav as the only hope next season I really hope BG has a whitey lined up for the 10-11 class.
By God you are right John - the townies aren't going to like this at all
@ John: That's why they have walk-ons (i.e. affirmative action for "scrappy" players)
Before tonight's catastrophe, is anyone planning on going to Atlantic City? I'll be there for Sat./Sun.
@John: the darkening of UD's roster means even louder ovations each time Luke hits a three.
The tall local white guy memorial scholarship has been around for ages and will never go away. I'm pretty sure its written into the university by-laws.
Don't worry, Vandalia-Butler has a 6'9" sophomore and Centerville has a 6'10" soph that can barely stand up without stumbling. The future is, uh, pasty.
I won't mind at all if he scores 51 points a game.
I believe in Jesse Berry we may have our very own Stanley Burrel: A mediocre basketball player who is a huge cocky asshole that other teams hate. Needless to say I'm excited.
Getting our first bonafide thug. Plummer turned into one at UD and Thiago bowed out before he could do any real damage. I am excited to see what "mall kiosk shirt" has in store for us.
Rosceaux brings up an interesting question: Are there any non-white walkons at any D-1 school?
Black walk on: Gamal Gilchrist @ UD circa 2000?
DANK LOVES STANK PUSS!
haha Me and My guy Biscuits .http://www.youtube.com/user/chubbz7414
we made the song. if yall saw him play in highschool he didnt pass. no hard feelings just straight truth