THIS YEAR: One of the projected top newcomers to the Golden State Athletic Conference and perhaps in the NAIA, junior Brayden Bell is looking to jumpstart his collegiate career at Azusa Pacific much like David Burgess did last year ... Teams with Burgess to give Azusa Pacific one of the best frontcourts in the nation ... Is an outstanding perimeter shooter and because of his size creates a difficult match-up for opposing defenses ... Has good quickness for his size ... Rated a very good rebounder ... Capable of being a good defensive player given his length ... Will push for postseason honors.
UTAH STATE (sophomore): Spent his 2008 sophomore season at Big West Conference member Utah State in Logan, Utah ... Appeared in 7 games before leaving at semester break ... Scored 12 points in 44 minutes of play for USU while grabbing 11 rebounds ... Scored 4 points in 8 minutes of action in a loss to arch-rival Utah ... Redshirted the 2007 campaign after transferring to Utah State.
OHIO STATE (freshman): Out of high school signed with Ohio State and played his 2006 freshman season at the Big Ten Conference member school in Columbus, Ohio ... Appeared in 7 games with the Buckeyes, scoring 10 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in 33 minutes of play ... Tallied a season-high 6 points on 2-for-3 shooting from the arc vs. Penn State.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-time all-state 5A selection during his 4-year varsity career at Brighton High in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he played for head coach Lyndon Johnson ... As a 2005 senior, averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists for the 23-7 Bengals ... Registered a pair of 30-point games ... As a 2004 junior, averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds for the 26-5 Bengals who advanced to the state semifinals ... Was named all-state second team ... Also named one of the top centers in the west by Prephoops.com and one of the top 100 high school seniors nationwide by several recruiting services ... Averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds as a 2003 sophomore and averaged 6 points in a reserve role as a freshman.
PERSONAL: Born Sept. 4, 1986, in Salt Lake City, Utah ... Parents are Craig (corrections guidance counselor) and Chari (salesperson) Bell ... Has 1 sister (Audy) ... His father played basketball at the University of Utah in 1980 and 1982 ... Majoring in communications ... Would like to play overseas someday and then start his own business.
