Brighton’s Bell transferring to USU from Ohio State

Utah State’s head men’s basketball coach Stew Morrill announced Friday that former Ohio State player Brayden Bell will transfer to Utah State and enroll in school for the fall semester. Bell, a 6-9, 240 pound post man must redshirt during the 2006-07 season, but will have three years of eligibility remaining for the Aggies beginning in the 2007-08campaign.

Bell, who earned 5A first-team all-state honors his senior year at Brighton (Utah) High School in 2005, appeared in seven games for the Buckeyes this past season, and averaged 1.4 points and 2.3 rebounds.

“Brayden Bell has the potential to be a very good Division I basketball player,” said Morrill. “To reach that potential he must dedicate himself to the game, continue to mature emotionally and physically, and take great pride in returning home to the state of Utah and Utah State University.

“We are excited that Brayden will be in our program for four years,” added Morrill. “He is a skilled big man who can really grow with coachability and a strong work ethic. I am confident that this is a good move for Brayden Bell and for Utah State Basketball.”

During his senior season at Brighton High School, Bell averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, to go along with three blocks and two assists as he was 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. As a prep senior, Bell scored 447 points and recorded 20 or more points in a game 11 times, including two 30-point outings.

Bell also earned all-region and second-team all-state honors as a junior as he averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game in leading Brighton to the semifinals of the state tournament. Bell also played in the USA Development Festival as a junior.