Bronson balances barbering and balling

Bronson Beri is used to his different worlds colliding.

A professional barber and basketballer, Bronson is often recognised by clients and is the unofficial hair stylist for the Nelson Giants.

So, when asked to give an interview about his latest contract signing while simultaneously cutting my hair, the 31-year-old was happy to oblige.

Having started his career as a Nelson College student in the 2007 Championship squad, Bronson is now the longest serving player in the current squad.

After missing the NBL Showdown in 2020 due to work commitments, Beri will return to the court for his beloved franchise this season.

“Not playing during the pandemic was a bit of a shock to the system.”

Bronson is now a senior statesman at the franchise, a position that comes with its privileges.

“When you become the oldest in the team you get forced into that leadership role, I get called ‘old man’, but also during offensive drills at training I always get to start with the ball.”

Bronson says what is particularly exciting about the 2021 season is the abundance of local talent.

“It is the most local guys we have had and playing with your mates is the best part.”

Having started his storied career with a championship, Bronson says he has always had a fantasy of ending his career with another title.

“I didn’t play a lot because I was still a high school kid but winning it I definitely felt part of the team. I’d have to force myself to retire if we won a championship again.”

During his younger years, Bronson was offered contracts from a number of different franchises but opted to remain loyal to the Giants.

“To me Nelson is the draw, it’s the best place to play in New Zealand by far.”

Bronson has experienced plenty of highs and lows over 13 seasons.

His darkest day came on April 4, 2012.

During a match in Palmerston North, Bronson had just nailed four three pointers in a row and was the hottest he had ever been during a match.

This euphoria would soon make way for agony as he collapsed to the floor.

“When a grown man is screaming like a little child, you know it’s bad.”

Bronson damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and patellar tendon in the ‘trifecta’ of knee injuries.

Sidelined for over a year, Bronson says he was forced to adapt his game when he returned.

“I changed the way I played, I just tried to be a lot smarter and not run and jump as much.”

As well as championship glory, Bronson also had the privilege of playing alongside a man he had long looked up to.

“Growing up, Phill Jones was a bit of an idol, so playing in his last game was a special moment.”

As a player, Bronson says he is able to block out the noise of the crowd, but there was one finish to a match where he could not ignore the noise.

He recalls that he brought up the magic 100 points meaning everyone in attendance erupted in elation as they had all won a free cheeseburger.

Bronson’s talents are not resigned to just the basketball court.

He is also an accomplished barber, working at Chop City on Bridge St.

“It started casually; at school I would always cut the hair of the boys at the boarding house.”

Following his injury, Bronson started barbering more and discovered it was a passion.

He is often recognsied by the kids whose hair he cuts and if not, they ask they inevitable questions -  ‘how tall are you followed by do you play basketball?’”

Bronson also acts as a youth mentor, providing pastoral care as a tutor at Nelson College’s Rutherford House.

“Watching them grow for five years, is hugely rewarding.”

Though he is hugely passionate about all three of his jobs, he admits they require a lot of energy.

“It has taken a few years to be able to balance everything, but I need to start dropping back on something eventually, I don’t know what, it will all be pretty hard to give up.”

Bronson is itching to get back on the court after a disrupted 2020 but admits he may not have many more in him.

“This could be my last, I play it year by year now.”

As Bronson knows all too well, “you never know what’s going to happen”.  But worst comes to worst, I can now say from personal experience that he is pretty good with the scissors, too.