Rising to the Occasion
November 16, 2023 | Men's Basketball
Jimmy Bell Jr. is already doing big things for the Bulldogs.
STARKVILLE – Jimmy Bell Jr. didn't know exactly what his role would look like when he first stepped foot in Starkville earlier this year. What the transfer from West Virginia did know was he was ready to be a big piece for a promising Mississippi State team.
Through three games, Bell has certainly been that – and more.
Bell has started in each of the Bulldogs' first three games and has been the primary big man under the basket in teammate Tolu Smith's absence as Smith recovers from injury. The graduate student has embraced this challenge, and whether it's been pulling down an offensive rebound to keep a possession alive or stopping opponents with his stifling defense, he's risen to the occasion to help lead the Maroon and White to a 3-0 start. He's averaging a double-double so far with his 11.3 points and team-high 11.7 rebounds per game.
Bell has had plenty of encouragement along the way, including some big words from a fellow Dawg that he will soon welcome back to the court to work alongside him under the basket.
"Tolu [Smith] told me I'm going to be a big part of the team," Bell said. "I appreciate that coming from an All-American-type player like him."
The Saginaw, Michigan, native continued, explaining that he's going to do whatever it takes to help lead the program to success.
"I came here to be myself, and I know I've got a big responsibility," Bell said.
On Tuesday night, the 6-foot-10 standout had one of the best games of his career en route to MSU's 81-54 victory over North Alabama. Bell powered through for 14 hard-fought points and pulled down 14 rebounds. He also added three momentous blocks and one assist.
Head coach Chris Jans is leading an incredibly talented team full of talent, but early on, there's no denying Bell has been one of his standouts. Jans' experienced newcomer has impressed him from the very beginning.
"[Bell]'s been pretty business-like since he's arrived," Jans said. "He's a been there, done that kind of guy."
Bell certainly had a bit of an advantage when he first laced up his shoes for practice a few months ago, with several years of college basketball already under his belt. Yet he still remains hungry and that's allowing him to thrive with State.
"I've been working my butt off all summer, so it's finally paying off for me," Bell said.
As to what he spent most of his focus on in the preseason, the forward had one answer: rebounds. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise, given how dominant he's been when crashing the boards.
"I worked on getting good position, getting low on rebounds and just chasing the rebounds," Bell said.
Overall, there's been a bit of a new look to the Bulldogs that everyone, including Bell, has contributed to. The team's defense under Jans has always stood out, but this year, the offense has been just as explosive. Part of the reason that State has been putting on such a show to start the season? According to Bell, they're enjoying getting to play together against some tough competition.
"We've been having a lot of fun," Bell said. "We hang our hat on defense, but the offense just comes with that."
Bell's already done more than enough to lead his team, but the best may be yet to come for the post player. It seems as if he's getting a little bit better each game, and everyone is taking notice.
"He's certainly gaining confidence in the system," Jans said. "Our other players and our coaches are gaining confidence in him, too."
