How ‘Bear’ Cherry Got Back on Track for Stretch Run of Rebels’ Season

Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry looks like a transformed player recently. His new haircut, a decision made after months of underwhelming performances for the UNLV basketball team, may signal a newfound confidence and focus.

Cherry, a towering 6-foot-11-inch, 280-pound forward, debuted his new look last month. He explained, “I really did get tired of it. It was annoying. I wasn’t playing good. I had to just change it up. It worked.”

Indeed, over the last seven games for the Rebels, Cherry has significantly boosted his average points scored, increasing from 5.8 points per game to 11.2 points. This improvement could position him as a key contributor for the remainder of the season.

Adversity and Transformation

The start of Cherry’s UNLV season was promising, with a season-high 24 points scored in their opening game against Alabama State. However, he encountered early setbacks including back injuries and inconsistent performances.

A notable challenge came during the team’s opening Mountain West games. Opponents’ tough defenses and aggressive scouting diluted Cherry’s effectiveness. But he didn’t falter long, thanks largely to advice from his teammates.

“All my teammates (were) helping me out and telling me, ‘Always use your left hand. Use your left hand …’ So I really think that did help me a lot,” Cherry said. Nevertheless, even this advice was a response to the team’s coaching strategy, which initially emphasized Cherry’s left shoulder as a primary point of attack.

UNLV coach Kevin Kruger, during an interview, noted that Cherry’s dependence on this technique had become a crutch. The team then shifted focus to diversifying Cherry’s attacking moves, a step that has seemed to rejuvenate his playing style.

Mental Turnaround

The turning point came after back-to-back losses. A conversation with teammate Jalen Hill motivated Cherry to reassess his approach. “I didn’t play well at all,” Cherry admitted. “Jalen texted me, just telling me to pick it up and things like that. So I kind of just came to a realization, like, ‘All right, I need to figure it out.’”

Following this, Cherry introduced his new haircut—a bold move that symbolized his resolve to leave behind past struggles. Despite some initial setbacks, with a 4-point performance in a loss to Utah State, his attitude and determination remained resolute.

Rebels vs. Fresno State: A New Era?

The Rebels will face Fresno State on Saturday, marking a milestone in Cherry’s hope to build momentum. The upcoming match will be critical in determining his consistency for the rest of the season.

Kruger remains hopeful about Cherry’s progress, recognizing that the learning process is inevitable. “There’s no teacher like experience. He’s got to be excited about that challenge of getting better,” Kruger stated, highlighting the importance of continued improvement and adaptation.

Looking Ahead

Even with his recent progress, Cherry still faces challenges. He must now navigate the expectations placed on him, enhancing his play without relying solely on his size and strength. Efficiently moving his feet and finding easy buckets near the rim has been crucial in his latest performances.

“What’s important is that he continues to have that advantage over opponents,” Kruger emphasized. Cherry’s adaptation to these nuances will likely determine his impact for the remainder of the season.

Upcoming Match Details

Who: UNLV at Fresno State

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Save Mart Center, Fresno, Calif.

TV: Mountain West Network

Radio: KWWN (1100 AM, 100.9 FM)

Line: UNLV -8; total 148½

As the Rebels prepare to face Fresno State, the performance of Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry will be closely watched. His journey from early setbacks to recent progress offers a testament to resilience and adaptability in competitive sports.

Stay tuned for updates and analysis of their upcoming match to see how Cherry continues to evolve and contribute to the Rebels’ season.