St. John’s Berry Announces He Won’t Turn Pro

Basketball star Walter Berry publicly confirmed Wednesday night that he will complete his senior season of eligibility at St. John’s, rather than turn professional.

Berry, in Los Angeles to accept the Los Angeles Athletic Club’s 10th annual John Wooden Award as the best college player of 1985-86, said during his acceptance speech: “I know everybody’s wondering, and there has been some talk. Well, I’d like to say that I will stay one more year at St. John’s.”

Berry had said previously that, if he thought he’d be the first pick in the NBA draft, he would have to give an immediate pro career some thought. But after the Wooden dinner, he said, “I’m going to stay because I want to. And I know I won’t be the top pick. Whoever has it will go after a center.”