Jared Berggren scored in double figures in 25 of 26 games this season. He scored 20 or more points in 17 games, including a season-high 36 points versus Zimmerman. Berggren scored 20 or more points in his last six games of the year. He had 19 double-digit rebounding games, including the final seven contests of the year. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when they were upset by Big Lake, 71-61, in the first round of the playoffs.
Berggren will join Howard Pulley teammate Jordan Taylor of St. Louis Park (MN) Benidle St. Margaret for the 2008-09 season. The Badgers also landed senior forward Jon Leuer.
Berggren averaged 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per game as a sophomore. He shot 55.0 percent from the field and 55.1 percent from the line as Princeton finished 15-13.
The following interview took place Sunday at Hamline University after the Howard Pulley tryouts.
What things are
you trying to work on to improve as a player? Is there anything that you are
trying to focus on during the spring and summer?
"I'm working a lot on my
quickness right now. I'm trying to defend the perimeter better as well as
finishing down low. Working on that as a big man. Stepping outside and making
some jump shots."
You look stronger
than the last time I saw you. Have you been working a lot in the weight room as
well?
"I'm in the weight room
four or five times a week."
What are
you up to height- and weight-wise now?
"I'm about 6-foot-10 and
225 pounds."
Do you have
some goals that you have set regarding the weight?
As long as I get
stronger. I'd like to get up to 240."
I saw in
the newspapers that you got a few calls about the hiring of Tubby Smith at
Minnesota. Have you thought much about that or are you better excited about
Wisconsin?
"I'm still committed to
Wisconsin. I have no plans to change that. I'm still happy with my situation at
Wisconsin."
How many
times have you been to Wisconsin, like four or five times?
"I've been there at
least four or five times. I'm not sure how many."
You obviously fit
the mold of big man that Wisconsin has had like Brian Butch and Greg Stiemsma.
Is that something you really like about Wisconsin
"I think that I'll fit
good in that system. The coaching staff has been really good about working with
their posts and I think that it will be a really good fit there."
Obviously,
you have a good friend going there in Jordan Taylor. Does that help? You guys
play together AAU-wise and can get some chemistry together.
"That definitely helps.
I'm good friends with Jordan. I think that we are a good complement on
the court and will make good teammates."