Drake Beranek's decision to leave UNK before the start of his senior season and join Nebraska's basketball team as a walk-on isn't one he took lightly.

That said, I'm sure his move is one that will raise eyebrows both in Kearney and Lincoln.

Beranek, one of the top players in NCAA Division II, averaged 21.9 points last season, and he was on track to become only the fifth player in UNK history to score 2,000 career points.

"In some people's eyes, I'm giving up a lot to go to UNL. Some of that's true," Beranek said. "But for me, it's not ever been about individual accolades. It's more about my basketball experience as a whole.

"It's about maybe getting the most out of myself, and right now I feel like I've got another level yet to tap. The only way I could do that is to go to a program like Nebraska."

Can Beranek make an impact here? I watched him play some pick-up games with current Huskers at the Devaney Center about a month ago. He came to Lincoln that day just to see if he could hold his own.

He did. Hands down.

Ask Ryan Anderson what he thought of Beranek's play. I wasn't officially interviewing Ryan at the time, so I don't have any quotes handy, but suffice it to say he was impressed and happy to hear Drake was considering walking on.

Of course, Anderson and Beranek won't play in an actual game together. Beranek must sit out this season, which is Anderson's senior year.

At the very least, Beranek is a hard-working, hustling player who will definitely improve Nebraska's scout team. Don't underestimate that.

"I know I've got to come in and work hard, but it seems like (Sadler) is a fair coach who will give me an opportunity to prove myself, and if I can prove myself, I'll play," Beranek said. "And if I can't, then that's my problem."

Beranek is a career 46.2-percent shooter from three-point range (49.2 percent overall) and a career 82.2-percent free-throw shooter.

Beranek owns career game highs of 41 points, 16 rebounds (twice) and eight three-pointers. He's the only player in UNK history with multiple 40-point games in a career; he scored 40 last season at New Mexico Highlands.

"I might not be the most athletic, run the fastest, jump the highest," Beranek said, "but there's one thing I can control, and that's how hard I can work."

Beranek is the son of Ravenna High School coach Paul Beranek. Ravenna had a 41-game winning steak during Drake's career there.