I felt it was quite appropriate when my interview with FAU Men’s Basketball forward Mike Bell was arranged to be held in the classroom just off the lobby of the gym. As for his capability of teaching anyone about the mental space required to perform at the peak of one’s game, he is unparalleled.
A soft-spoken young man, he has a presence seemingly beyond his years. But after a few minutes he opens up with a smile and you can see he is also a kid at heart, playing the game he loves.
Bell took his second A-Sun Player of the Week honor a few weeks ago after his efforts helped FAU win two overtime games. While these awards may lead to an A-Sun Player of the Year nomination, Bell is quick to downplay the honor. He is more concerned with improving the team’s record and preparing for the Conference tournament. Right now, the Owls stand at 4-12. At first glance, it would seem that they’ve had a dismal season. But, there have been many barnburners where FAU fell just short in the closing seconds. Also, their Conference record stands at 4-5, a better sign of their chances come post-season.
Bell’s main concern for the team is putting together a solid 40 minutes of play. He feels that they have been playing in spurts. The recent victory over UCF, where Bell posted a game high 24 points, has been the turning point. Our Owls only trailed once, snapping UCF’s four game winning streak. Bell feels the game was what he knew the team was capable of all season. It’s what he hopes will be their new standard. The following is my athletic tutoring session with Bell:
Pump: Describe the mindset of playing in the paint (down low).Bell: Well, I was 5’6″ when I was 10 years old, and I’ve always practiced as a point guard, figuring I would play in the NBA on the perimeter. But then I grew to 6’3″ and felt I would be more of a shooter. But I kept growing to 6’7″ and people started teaching me to be a small forward and start playing down low. BJ Nowak recruited me at 6’9″ and at PBCC I started to play a lot more down low. I’m still learning. The perimeter is where I feel most natural. It’s real intense down low. I don’t mind though, it’s where the team needs me and it’s making me a better player.
Pump: Do you have any pre-game ritual?Bell: No. I used to try and get psyched before games but it adds pessure. I like to go out as if I’m just playing a pick-up game with my friends. Just go out and play. I find I play better that way.
Pump: You’ve got a lot of tattoos. Could you talk about them and what they mean?Bell: On my back I have a stabbing dagger and around it, it says, “God never will.” Meaning God will never stab me in the back. On my leg I’ve got a picture of the Grim Reaper with Psalm 23 written out, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, you are with me.” On my left arm I have a picture of Jesus and someone praying. It says, “The Ultimate Sacrifice.” ‘Cause sinning could be a lot of fun, but I’ll sacrifice it. Then on my right arm, I’ve got a picture of a bell with a bunch of animals around it, but they can’t get to it, I’m untouchable.
Pump: To be a great player you have to want the ball. What’s the difference between ‘wanting the ball’ and arrogance?Bell: The difference is basically if you’re not open you’ll pass the ball to someone who can make the shot. Arrogance is when you have three players or the whole team guarding you and you try and score. Arrogance is just playing as an individual; you do everything for yourself. It shows that you don’t care for the team and fans notice it too.
Pump: What are some mottos of the team?Bell: On the court we like to say “Victory” or “Family”. But being together is the biggest thing.
Pump: What does it take to be a solid 3-point shooter?Bell: Practice. Like today we don’t have practice, but as soon as the girls are done practicing I’m going to go in for an hour by myself. It’s like anything, it takes extra time.
Pump: How does travel affect play?Bell: Personally, I prefer to play away. There’s more pressure with the fans booing and everything. All that negative energy gives you energy. The fans give it at home in a different way. I don’t know, I feel I play better away.
Pump: How do you feel about FAU fan support?Bell: It’s grown a lot. It’s just like all the big schools on TV now. N.C. State started out just like we did. Each year we hope to get better. Every school starts from somewhere and there’s even better things ahead.
Pump: You can dunk. Do you think white guys can jump?Bell: Yeah. (Bell laughs.)
Pump: Does the squeaking of sneakers on the court ever get on your nerves?Bell: No.
Pump: What’s your favorite soft drink?Bell: Mountain Dew.
