CEDAR FALLS - During a round of golf this summer, Jim Berry approached Ben Jacobson about joining the University of Northern Iowa basketball staff as a volunteer assistant.

"I thought it'd be fun," said Berry, who has been involved in coaching for 47 years. "I enjoy being around the game of basketball, and UNI is close to my heart. I figured it'd keep me out of trouble."

According to NCAA rules, Division I programs are prohibited from having volunteer assistants.

Instead, Berry is serving as a consultant this season for the Panthers.

Much like a director of basketball operations, the 72-year-old isn't allowed to instruct on the practice floor, but he can observe and interact with the players before and after workouts. Berry has a seat on the bench during games and offers input in staff meetings.

"When I see something or feel this would be a good thing to do, I'll mention it," Berry said. "Sometimes when you're just observing and away from the situation, it can be easier. It's like the saying, 'Sometimes you're so close to the forest, you can't see the trees.'"

Rich Glas provided that a year ago, but left at the end of the season to become a head coach at Division III Concordia-Moorhead. With UNI's four fulltime coaches ranging in age from 28 to 38, an experienced set of eyes was important to Jacobson.

"You can't buy or manufacture that experience," the head coach said. "You have to go through certain things. You have to be part of the big wins and tough losses, and he's done that. The maturity he offers to myself and our staff helps our players."

Berry, who coached 354 games at UNI during his 13-year run from 1974-86, ushered the Panthers into the Division I era in 1980. He also spent time at Loras College and most recently was the head coach at Columbus High School before stepping down last March.

"I have great respect for the university and the people throughout," Berry said. "I owe them a lot for giving me an opportunity to coach here. I want them to do well and continue to be successful in all sports, not just basketball."

Berry has battled his share of health problems, but said he's feeling "pretty good" right now.

"Part of it is staying active and being a part of the UNI program," Berry said. "That's the best thing for me, to continue to be active and not think about what might happen to me physically.

"I get tired once in awhile, but I got that when I was in perfect health. It's an enjoyable situation to be in right now because I don't have to worry about planning a practice or handling other outside things."

The players respect him.

"It's nice to have a different perspective," junior Adam Koch said. "It's a little different style of coach than maybe some of the other guys, but it's good for our team."

Jacobson believes it's critical for his players to learn about UNI's history, and Berry provides that insight.

"He's had an opportunity at different times to share some stories and some of the things he went through when he was coaching," Jacobson said. "That's really good for our players to gain an understanding of that. It hasn't always been like it is now.

"I'm just glad we've been able to make this work. It's been very beneficial."

SHORT SHOTS: Kwadzo Ahelegbe's 28 points Sunday against Indiana State were the most by a Panther player since the McLeod Center opened in the 2006-07 season. Iowa State's Craig Brackins holds the arena record with his 32 points earlier this month. … UNI, which plays at Southern Illinois on Wednesday, hasn't started Missouri Valley Conference play 0-2 since the 2002-03 campaign. The Panthers finished 11-17 that year. … UNI has only won back-to-back games once this season, defeating Texas Southern and Chicago State. The last time the Panthers failed to win at least three straight at some point in a season was Sam Weaver's 7-24 squad in 2000-01.

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com