BASKETBALL is more than just a game for DeMarcus Berry: it is also his passion.
The American import will be helping the St George Basketball Association on and off the court after joining them earlier this month.
Berry, a product of the US college system with Siena Heights University, will play with St George in division one of the Waratah Basketball League, and operate as the St George association's basketball development officer.
Berry said basketball had helped him travel the world, and relating his experiences to younger players was one of the highlights of his career.
"Teaching basketball is one of my passions. I love to interact with kids," he said.
"In Australia basketball is getting pretty big but there aren't enough development coaches.
"It's really key for the community and St George Basketball Association that they develop good players."
A native of Detroit, Michigan, the 31-year-old joined St George after four years' playing in Melbourne.
But the 193-centimetre-tall guard has also had a serious job to do on the court — to help the Saints reach the play-offs for the first time in their history.
St George are second in their pool behind Sydney University, with the top two teams from each group to battle for the title at Sutherland on the weekend of August 1 and 2.
St George won both their games last weekend, against the Central Coast and Lismore, to confirm their place in the post-season.
Berry said making the play-offs was huge for the club.
"This is only the club's second or third year in the state league and right now we're in second place in our division," he said.
"I think the team is going really well. [We were] a strong possibility of making the finals.
"The goal [was] to make the finals for the first time which would be great to help get people more engaged with the game of basketball in the area."