Busting Brackets
Fansided

Oregon Basketball: Jordan Bell rising up as Oregon’s top big man

By Carmine Carcieri

Feb 16, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) celebrates after dunking the ball in the first half against the Utah Utes at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) celebrates after dunking the ball in the first half against the Utah Utes at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Oregon basketball’s Jordan Bell is one of the most improved players in the entire nation.

Whenever you think of the Oregon Ducks, the first few players that come to mind are Dillon Brooks, Tyler Dorsey, and Chris Boucher.

Related Story: Five reasons why the Ducks will win it all

We know Brooks is the guy that makes everything click and is the MVP, and we know Dorsey and Boucher must provide points in order for Oregon to have nice balance, but the unsung hero of the team is 6’9″ junior forward Jordan Bell.

Bell averaged 7.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game in 21.2 minutes per game last season, however, he’s been even better in 2016-17. The physical forward is putting up a career-high in points (11.0), rebounds (8.1), assists (1.9), blocks (2.2) and steals (1.3) while shooting an efficient 63 percent from the field and a solid 70 percent from the free throw strike.

While Boucher is an excellent stretch big who can make shots from the perimeter (especially the corners), Bell provides toughness and strength on the interior. He gives Oregon another rim protector and a player whose motor is always operating at 110 percent, no matter the scenario or situation.

Just look at this play: Bell chases Lorenzo Bonam from behind when the Ducks are up 18 points with 9:40 left. His effort on the defensive end is unmatchable as he can block shots, protect the rim and also switch onto smaller players on the perimeter.

But that’s not why Bell is the heart and soul of this roster.

It’s because he has finally filled out his game. He’s no longer a liability on the offensive end of the floor even though he still cannot stretch the floor. The forward can either finish with authority off lob passes, score off second chance opportunities and use his touch around the rim. On top of that, Bell has better post moves than he’s ever had before.

Next: Five reasons why the Ducks will win it all

The Ducks were just an average team earlier in the season when Brooks dealt with a foot injury. However, if there is one player they can ill afford to lose beyond Brooks, that man might be Jordan Bell.

Home/Oregon Ducks