Slama-lama... Ding-dong

Despite his diminutive stature, Fresno State guard Kevin Bell makes serious noise

By Kim Anderson
The Collegian

In a sport dominated by giants, Kevin Bell doesn’t stand up, he stands out.

That’s what makes him a leader on the Fresno State basketball team. Bell’s ability to go from one end of the court to the other in less than three seconds probably doesn’t hurt either.

This quality makes Bell the perfect candidate to control the ball and make sure it gets to the right players at the right time and ultimately, runs the team’s offense.

Another characteristic typical of the point guard is being the smallest player on the court.

So, its no wonder that Fresno State’s 5-foot-6-inch Tyler Bell fits this role so well.

“I think his mental toughness and resolve to compete every possession have really stood out [this year],” head coach Steve Cleveland told Roger Kirk of Fresno State’s media relations in 2005. “He’s the one young man on this team that personifies that on every possession. I think he understands how we want to play; he understands the importance of making good decisions on the court and I really like his decision-making process.”

This understanding comes as no surprise. Growing up with the game has given Bell a greater understanding of how to make plays.

Since childhood, Bell was surrounded by a family who enjoyed sports. In fact, Bell calls them “sports fanatics.”

Because of this, Bell has a tremendous amount of support from his family; especially his father.

This support, Bell said, is more like a lot of love.

“He supports the whole team,” Bell said. “He’s like the team dad.”

With the exception of a few games, Bell’s father, Kevin, has been there to watch not just Bell, but to see the entire team play.

Whether it is the Save Mart Center or traveling to Boise, Idaho, Bell’s father attends both home and away games.

Bell came to Fresno in 2004 from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles where he was a two-time all-state and all-city athlete.

In his first season at Fresno State he averaged 2.6 points and 2.9 assists per game.

Last season, the list grew even longer as he was ranked No. 1 in assists per game and assist/turnover ratio, No. 2 in minutes played and No. 5 in steals in the final overall WAC stats.

He also received the team’s Top Assist Man award and played and started all 28 games.

The question Bell’s been asked at one time or another, why Fresno?

Anybody who has spent time in Los Angeles might agree with Bell when he said, “It’s more relaxed here and the people are nicer.”

At home, the Bulldogs have found winning to be almost second nature, winning 9 of their last 11 games. However, the team’s road record has been less than perfect with only four road wins on the season. For Bell, the team’s road woes are personal.

The road record has been frustrating for Bell, who said he takes it as a reflection of himself because of his role on the court.

Improving on the road is one of the goals Bell has for his team and he looks to himself to make that happen.

Things to work on include “better team defense” and shooting, Bell said.

And how to do that?

“I’m speaking more,” Bell said. “I try to keep the focus and energy up.”

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