Monday, January 16, 2012

Get to know Jermaine 'Slim' Bell

I had the opportunity to interview the Jacksonville GIANTS starting center Jermaine 'Slim' Bell.  Jermaine is a very humble man and has the skills and potential to have a successful career in the NBA.  Bell's ultimate goals: "I want to bring an ABA championship to the City of Jacksonville, and most importantly extend my career into the NBA."  Enjoy the read!


Player Profile
Get to know       Jermaine ‘Slim’ Bell # 4

Profile by: Michael Manos


One of the most dominant centers in the American Basketball Association, Jermaine ‘Slim’ Bell is a force to be reckoned with this season.  His towering 7-foot height, agile footwork and quick shot release allow him to be one of the GIANTS’ most versatile players.   

When asked how he got the nickname “SLIM”, Bell joked, “A recreational basketball coach in Rochester, New York named me that at the age of 10 because of my tall stature and slim build. It’s a nick name that stuck with me throughout my career and my teammates run with it.”    
Bell is a native of Rochester, NY, and was the number one player in the country his freshmen year at Benjamin Franklin High School in Rochester.  He received the All-Greater Rochester award that year, an award typically awarded to upperclassmen.

After leaving Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Bell p
layed one season at Indian Hills Community College averaging 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots as a freshman.  He led the conference in blocked shots, ranked second in scoring and ranked third in rebounding.

After leaving college to pursue an NBA career, Bell was recruited to play overseas in Syria, Dubai, and Qatar.  In his final international game he recorded a game high 35 points.
 The birth of his 2 sons Damarie and Eric led him back to the United States. He has since brought his talents to the Jacksonville GIANTS.  “The Giants organization is by far the best group of staff and players that I’ve had the opportunity to work with yet,” said Bell.  He adds that after spending winters in the Northeast, the Florida weather is definitely a plus, too.  When asked who has been the biggest influence in his life, he replies without hesitation, “My two children have been my biggest fans.  It feels good to be a role model and have kids that look up to you.”

Coach Kevin Waters acknowledges that Bell is a integral piece to the GIANTS organization. Coach Waters said that, “teammates continually learn from his experience as an athlete both off and on the court.”
When he is not playing Bell is involved in civic engagement within the community signing autographs after games and visiting children’s hospitals and public schools addressing the importance of education.

Bell's ultimate goals: "I want to bring an ABA championship to the City of Jacksonville, and most importantly extend my career into the NBA."

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