Miguel "Ali" Berdiel
Miguel Ali Berdiel | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 27, 1983 Puerto Rico |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player (retired) |
| Years active | 1999–201x |
| Known for | Playing in NCAA, CBA, NBA G League, BSN, and Puerto Rico national basketball team |
Miguel Ali Berdiel (born December 27, 1983) is a retired Puerto Rican professional basketball athlete whose career extended over two decades, featuring participation in the NCAA, Continental Basketball Association (CBA), NBA G League, and prominently the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). His international experience includes playing in countries such as Belgium, Slovenia, Cyprus, Mexico, and Uruguay. Berdiel was part of the Puerto Rico national basketball team roster from 2007 until 2014.
Brief biography
From 2001 to 2006, Berdiel competed at the collegiate level with Valparaiso, where he achieved Second Team All-Mid-Continent recognition. Professionally, he has been active in the National Superior Basketball League of Puerto Rico since 1999.
During the 2006–2007 season, Berdiel played for the Utah Eagles in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and also had a tenure in Belgium. On June 11, 2007, he joined the New York Knicks' Summer League squad. The Knicks had previously shown interest during the 2006–2007 period by offering him a 10-day contract; however, he was unable to accept due to his obligations with Dexia-Mons Hainaut in Belgium.
After participating in the Summer Pro League with the Knicks, Berdiel represented the Puerto Rican National Basketball Team at the 2007 Pan-American Games, where he helped secure a silver medal. On November 1, 2007, he was selected in the NBDL Draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, taken 12th overall in the sixth round. Subsequently, on May 21, 2008, Berdiel was invited by the Indiana Pacers to join their NBA summer rookie league roster.
Playing Style
Standing at 6'6", Berdiel is an exceptionally tall point guard recognized for his ability to orchestrate play and his defensive prowess. His height provides him an advantage in reading defenses and intercepting passes. He led the BSN in steals on two occasions and earned selections to all-defensive teams.
Career stats
Across 124 NCAA contests, Berdiel accumulated 981 points (averaging 7.9 points per game), along with 507 assists (4.1 per game), 340 rebounds (2.7 per game), and 176 steals (1.4 per game). His shooting efficiency included a .391 field goal percentage, .668 free throw percentage, and .338 from beyond the three-point line.