Jermaine 'Slim' Bell is a professional basketball player who plays for the Jacksonville Giants of the American Basketball Association. He is the league's signature player as well as the Giants' most signature player, having taken his team to the ABA finals twice (winning both times) and winning the league MVP - and the finals MVP - two times in a row (2012-2013). An intimidating center, Bell is often compared to the NBA's Chris Bosh.
Early Years[]
Jermaine Bell grew up in the Rochester, New York, where he was also born. He acquired the nickname 'Slim' for his tall structure and slim build during his childhood years.
High school[]
Bell entered Benjamin Franklin High School, and in his freshman year quickly became the number one player in his area, earning the All-Greater Rochester Award - an award typically given to upperclassmen.
He verbally committed to joining St. John's the next year, then chose Oak Hill High School. However, he attended neither, choosing Coastal Christian High School, where he sat out half the season on a broken foot.
In his last year of high school eligibility, Bell joined Notre Dame Prep, graduating from there at the end of the year.
College career[]
Bell choose to attend Indian Hills Community College in his freshman year. He lead the school's conference at blocked shots per game, averaging 3.7 while also averaging 15 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game in his only season there.
Professional career[]
Bell originally opted to join the 2004 NBA draft as a high-school graduate, but withdrew his name from consideration. After his first season with Indian Hills, however, Bell declared eligible for the 2005 NBA draft, but went undrafted.
International career[]
Instead of playing in the D-League, Bell spent 5 seasons in the Middle East playing international basketball for Syria, Dubai, and Quatar. In his last game as an international player, Bell scored a career-high 35 points.
ABA career[]
Bell returned to the U.S. upon the birth of his two sons, Demarie and Eric, where he became the first player signed by the ABA's Jacksonville Giants. He dominated a league that needed a superstar, leading the Giants to a 23-0 record in his first year and leading his team to the championship the next. Bell won another championship the next year, winning both with the help of teammate Anthony Jackson. Bell won league MVP honors during the two championship years (2012-2013), along with two finals MVP awards and three ABA All-Star appearances.
Career achievements[]
- All-Greater Rochester Award (2001)
- College conference leader in blocked shots (2005)
- 2-time ABA Champion (2012-2013)
- 2-time ABA finals MVP (2012-3013)
- 2-time ABA league MVP (2012-3013)
- 3-time ABA All-Star (2012-2014)
References[]
1. http://www.nba.com/dleague/players/jermaine_bell.html
2. http://jacksonvillegiants.blogspot.com/2012/01/get-to-know-jermaine-slim-bell.html?m=1