WMU News

Prep star Reggie Berry signs with Broncos

May 11, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- Any questions regarding the ability of the WMU men's basketball staff to become immediately involved in the national recruiting scene were answered by the signing of Texas prep star Reggie Berry (Houston, TX/Stephen F. Austin HS) to a National Letter of Intent May 10.

Berry recently starred at Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston, Texas, and received interest from across the country. He chose the Broncos over Houston and Cal State-Fullerton and following his official visit to WMU received interest from Villanova and Providence. He plans to major in business at WMU.

Berry, a 6-4, 185-pound guard and junior college standout Robby Collum (Racine, WI/Kankakee College) are both highly recruited student-athletes signed by new head coach Robert McCullum and his staff -- less than two months after taking over.

"We are extremely excited to add a student-athlete of Reggie Berry's caliber," McCullum said. "He is the type of young man that we want to represent not only the Bronco basketball team, but the university as well. In addition to being an outstanding person, he is also a tremendous basketball player."

An honorable mention all-state pick as a senior, Berry averaged 19 points, six rebounds and four assists per game and helped lead the team to a 22-12 overall record. He was named to the all-conference and all-region first teams, while also garnering first team academic all-state accolades. His team was eliminated in the state tourney by the eventual champions.

"He is a skilled, athletic combo guard that shoots the ball well, and he also possesses the ability to create off the dribble," McCullum said. "Together with the rest of our guard corps (Maverick Carter, KC Cavette, Robby Collum, Jon Powell), Reggie gives our backcourt a more explosive scoring punch, which is critical to contending in the Mid-American Conference."

Berry collected averages of 12 points, five rebounds and three steals per outing as a junior. His efforts helped him earn second team all-league honors. "I wanted to go to a program that really wanted me," Berry said. "After meeting with Coach McCullum and his staff I really felt like I fit in and Western Michigan was the best situation for me."

"We are very fortunate to sign a quality individual like Reggie at this point in the recruiting season," McCullum said. "With the skills he possesses and our need for help at the off-guard position, we fully expect Reggie to compete for a starting position as a freshman."

Media contact: Scott Kuykendall; 616 387-4138; scott.kuykendall@wmich.edu


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