Dec. 5, 2007
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5- 10:55 AM
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In only his first season, point guard Keegan Bell is one of several Commodore freshmen to provide solid minutes off the bench to lead Vanderbilt to a 7-0 start heading into tonight’s tilt with Wake Forest. Already known for his flashy passing and ability to run the point (note his 18 assists to only 8 turnovers so far), Bell was able to score the first points of his career in Saturday’s 92-79 victory over Georgia Tech. I spoke with him before practice on Monday to ask him about several topics including how it felt to knock down that first basket.
How did it feel to make your first collegiate basket Saturday against Georgia Tech? “I was definitely relieved. I remember hitting the first shot and feeling relaxed. I’ve been trying not to worry about it and just take what’s coming to me. It was the right time for me, and I felt good.”
After making your first shot, did you feel more comfortable shooting? “Definitely. I talked with Coach (Stallings) before the game and he said I needed to look more to score. I thought before the game I was going to be more aggressive. Once the first shot went in, I felt more confident taking more shots.”
How did your teammates react after you made your first shot? “After I made the first bucket, they were definitely going crazy. When I went back to the bench, everyone was supportive of me. I hit two shots, missed a third, then when I took the ball out a few plays later, Ross (Neltner) said to me, `Was that a heat check”? I responded, “Definitely.’ I was feeling it.”
Your assist to turnover ratio is very impressive for a freshman. How do you feel about your performance so far? “My role with the team is to get the ball to lots of guys that score. It’s so easy to pass to Shan (Foster) or A.J. (Ogilvy) and get quick assists. They’ve made it very easy for me. I’ve just tried to play solid and not turn the ball over because Coach (Stallings) doesn’t like to see turnovers.”
A lot of your great passes have set up easy scores for teammates. Does your skill come from natural ability or extra practice? “It’s just kind of natural. I’ve always been kind of a flashy player. I played for my dad and we worked on passing a lot, especially when I was younger. He had confidence in me and wanted me to play like that. I’m not out there trying to get `oohs’ and `awes’, but I guess when I do it, it looks a little flashy. It’s not meant to be, but I guess it’s just natural.”
Talk about playing point guard as a true freshman. Did you expect to have so much early success and play so much early in the season? “I think everyone wants to play right away and do his part. It’s been more than I’ve expected and it’s been great. One of my big credits goes to Alex (Gordon). He pushed me very much through the summer. He made the success I’m having right now so much easier, especially on the defensive end. Guarding him every day has made me a better player.”
How have the seniors with their experience helped developed the young guys? “The seniors have been absolutely wonderful. They each bring different aspects of leadership. Ross (Neltner) is kind of the dad figure to us. Alex (Gordon) gives us a lot of energy. Because Alex and I both play the same position, he’s been a great influence on me. He kicks my butt every day and has taught me to fight hard every play.”
Has there been a forgettable freshman moment yet this year for you, whether it was on or off the court? “I definitely had a few of those moments during the first few practices. I made a few dumb plays and felt like I was playing awful, but now, I’m starting to get more comfortable with the team and finding my role.”
Talk about having the men’s basketball team ranked in the top 25 for the first time this season and getting some national respect. “I think it feels great and it’s only my freshman season. We didn’t get that much respect coming into the season, and I think we liked that because we had to earn the respect. We played some solid teams so far and had some good outcomes. I think it means a lot more to us now. We have to keep working hard and not let the attention get to our heads.”
