With six seconds left on the clock before halftime, freshman business major Ryan Berg takes possession of the ball and makes a fast break to the other side of the court. Berg dribbles to half court as the clock counts down to less than two seconds left.
Berg jumps and hoists the ball into the air; the crowd is silent with anticipation. Just as the buzzer signifies the end of the half, the ball drops into the net and the crowd goes wild.
Berg scored 34 points in the game against Dixie State University, Jan. 18 in the Van Dyne Gymnasium.
One would think there is a magnet attached to the hoop and the ball after seeing the kind of shots Berg pulls off.
Berg came to California Baptist University this year after being recruited by men’s basketball Head Coach Richard Croy.
Berg played varsity basketball at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., and received numerous accolades for his performance.
Along with some other smaller awards, Berg received the Arizona Interscholastic Association Division II first team all-state his junior and senior years and first team all-division his senior year.
Berg said his accomplishments stem from hard work and being able to be coachable.
He attributes much of his success to his coaches and the instruction they have instilled in him.
Berg was also being recruited by other small National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I schools such as Pepperdine University and Utah State University.
Ultimately, Coach Croy, the rest of the coaching staff and the team dynamic won him over to Lancer basketball.
“I love (the team),” said Berg. “It is the best (team) situation I have ever been on.”
“Best situation” is saying a lot because Berg has been playing basketball since he was 4 years old.
His father, Michael Berg, played at Santa Clara University and encouraged a love for the game at Berg’s young age.
The morale of the men’s basketball team is at an all-time high, as each of the players had nothing but great things to say about Berg.
“We love him and he loves us,” said Ivan Patterson, senior business administration major and guard on CBU’s men’s basketball team.
Their devotion to one another has been a major factor in the team’s success this season.
The basketball team’s impressive record is the result of many elements working cohesively.
“Everyone (on the team) just loves each other. There are no egos whatsoever,” Berg said.
The work that Berg has put in for the Lancers has shown in the statistics and also his recognition as Lancer of the Week.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Berg said. “It’s fun to be recognized because our team is playing so well and I’m just happy that I’m a part of that.”
When asked about personal achievement and praise for success, Berg points back to his team and the people who helped guide him this far.
