Joel Berry II (ankle) says he's 'not going to sit out' against Oregon

North Carolina junior point guard Joel Berry II said he expects to be able to participate in Friday's practice and that he will be ready for Saturday's national semifinal matchup against Oregon.

Berry has injured both of his ankles during the NCAA tournament.

"I feel a lot better," he said Thursday. "The bruising has gone away. I can run on it now. There are only two games left. I'm not going to sit out."

Berry sprained his right ankle during the Tar Heels' rout of Texas Southern in the first round. He struggled in a win over Arkansas in the second round, going 2-of-13 from the field and finishing with 10 points.

After four days off between games, Berry finished with 26 points in a Sweet 16 victory over Butler, but he sprained his other ankle early in an Elite Eight win over Kentucky. He left the court, went to the locker room to receive treatment and returned to the game later in the first half.

Berry is averaging 14.6 points, 3.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game this season.

"My left one is bothering me more because it's recent," Berry said. "My right one still hurts a little bit, but they feel a lot better. Taking that long flight didn't help."