The junior walk-on from Illinois has played in three games this season.
The students start chanting his last name with about two minutes left. The other players on the Missouri bench, just moments away from another win, start to stir. Then, the man everybody wants to see stands up. He gets some last-minute instructions from coach Mike Anderson before pulling off his warm-up jacket. He runs to the scorer’s table to check in. And then the crowd erupts.
Nick Berardini is in the game, and the student section cheers.
“It’s a special thing and the students know that I appreciate them. And they know that I try to represent them as best I can on the court,” Berardini said. “It makes me a little nervous but it also gives me a little extra adrenaline rush to play a little harder.”
When Berardini, a junior walk-on from Lake Forest, Ill., enters the game, the game is never in doubt. If the Tigers were to publish a depth chart, Berardini would probably be the last man off the bench. But that doesn’t stop him from running around like it’s the first minutes of a tight game, not the last seconds of a blow-out. On offense, Berardini usually finds his way to the corner, waiting for a pass.
“I feel pretty comfortable (shooting) in the corner,” Berardini said. “That’s the only thing I’ve ever been able to do really well. Anytime I get the chance to get onto the floor, and if I’m open, I’d get mad at myself if I miss.”
In three appearances this season, Berardini is 1-for-2 from the field. His only basket came in the closing seconds of Missouri’s season opening win against North Carolina A&T. With the score 98-80 and Missouri fans hoping for a 100th point, Tigers guard Michael Anderson penetrated the lane. The player guarding Berardini left to defend Anderson, leaving him open. Anderson passed the ball to Berardini. He set his feet behind the 3-point line, got the proper grip on the ball, and shot.
Swish. Missouri 101, North Carolina A&T 80.
After that game, Berardini’s teammates were celebrating his shot like it was a game-winner. The few fans that were left from an announced crowd of 6,230 made the most noise they had all night. That evening, his teammates were treating him like a hero. After all, it was his shot that put Missouri over 100 points for the first time since Dec. 21, 2003 against UNC-Greensboro.
“When you’re feeling down, he lifts you up with hard work and effort,” guard Stefhon Hannah said. “No matter what, he’s always going to be there. He’s just a great person.”
Dedicated would also be accurate. Though he doesn’t expect to play more than two minutes per game, Berardini goes through practices with the rest of the team. On Tuesday, Anderson had his players shoot three free throws at the end of practice. For each one they missed, they had to run one so-called “suicide.” (A player runs a suicide by running from one baseline to each of four court lines and back again before continuing.)
Berardini missed two of his three shots. So, he went running with his teammates. But, unlike the rest of his teammates, Berardini will not be using the added conditioning during games.
“I’m getting the same treatment everyone else is getting, so that’s a little tough at times,” Berardini said. “You get beat up a little bit more. But, at the same time, the rewards, you appreciate a lot more when you’re in my position.
“It’s challenging but it’s worth it.”
Hannah said he appreciates Berardini’s contributions to the team. Both as a player and a person
“Everybody loves him. He’s just a people person,” Hannah said. “He’s one of a kind.”