Bell May Transfer Schools

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- Jermaine Bell might have committed to St. John's last winter, but it looks like he will be changing high schools before he ever sets foot on a college campus.

Bell, a 6-11, 205 pound forward from Rochester, N.Y., told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he plans on transferring to George Junior Republic H.S. in Western Pennsylvania.

A very skilled big man who prefers to face the basket rather than mix it up in the paint, Bell spent the past two years at Coastal Christian H.S. in Virginia Beach, Va. He is RivalsHoops.com's number 96 player in the class of 2003.

On top of changing high schools, Bell intimated that his commitment to St. John's might not be as strong as some people think. He mentioned Cincinnati and Syracuse as other schools he is interested in this summer.

Of course, Bell has to worry about getting done with high school first. There have been some earlier reports that Bell wanted to jump straight to the NBA out of high school, but from a physical standpoint, he would get manhandled on the NBA level.

His body hasn't changed since the last time we saw him play almost two years ago, when he was with the Dewey Street Y program at Wayne Simone's Connecticut Select Hoop Challenge in April of 2000.

Of course, many will point to his size, mobility and ability to face up as three big things in his favor, and there's little disputing that.

In a morning victory over Team Detroit, Bell wasn't a very active presence, but he rebounded by Tuesday night to pitch in strongly in a terrific come from behind victory over the Double Pump All-Stars. He scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half in that contest, battling on the offensive glass (where he doesn't finish consistently in heavy traffic) and hitting his patented midrange jumper.

Clearly, Bell has the chance to be one of the top prospects in the Class of 2003 when all is said and done. Many will compare him to Kevin Garnett from a physical and potential standpoint coming out of high school, but he needs to be more aggressive and consistent with his play.

We will keep you posted on Bell's play in Las Vegas as the week unfolds, so stay tuned!