Melvin Bell Talks Return to Floor, Visits

St. Rita 2025 shooting guard Melvin Bell Melvin Bell 6'4" | SG La Lumiere | 2025 #109 Nation IN has made his return to the court after an injury that cost him the majority of his spring and summer.  The star sophomore returned over the holidays at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament and we saw him at the Highland Shootout.  Bell has a ton of high-majors pursuing him with his ability to score from multiple levels with size on the perimeter.  Top 50 prospect nationally talked about his return to the floor.

“The recovery was a long recovery.  Lot of ups and downs.  Lot of depression.  I fought through and now I am back on the court with my team.  Being able to be back on the floor with my guys and contribute is good.”

What percentage would he say he is at this stage?

“Right now I feel like I am 93%.  I am not all the way there.  I just have to get back in rhythm and under my feet.  Then I will be good.”

Bell talked about what he is looking forward to the rest of the season.

“Us gelling as a team and getting our team chemistry back together.  Going down state and winning.  That is the main thing and goal for us.”

The sophomore feels he could be the x-factor for this team in March.

“Definitely.  I am looking forward to facilitating and help the team out the best I can.  Play defense.  Whatever it is to help out.”

He has been out to quite a few schools for visits over the last several months.

“I went to Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, and I was supposed to go to Marquette, but something happen with it.:

Illinois has his teammate Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL already in the fold in 2024 and is making him a priority in 2025.

“I like the hospitality.  I like everybody there.  Tim Anderson is from Chicago.  I have a good relationship with him.  They are real good and I like how they push their players.”

Iowa is another Big 10 program that had him on campus as well.

“I didn't really get to speak to them that much.  I spoke to the head coach a little.  He seems good.  I watched their practice.”

Mizzou's head coach has strong ties to Chicago and is making an early impression.

“Dennis Gates man!  He is good!  They are doing well.  They won against Vanderbilt and are now 13-2.”

Michigan's former college and NBA star at head coach has made Bell a priority early as well.

“I like Juwan (Howard).  He is also from Chicago.  I like everything he is doing with their program.  Also he is a black head coach.  He was part of the Fab 5.  He is a good guy!”

He rattled off his current offer list.

“Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Illinois, Mizzou, Michigan, and that is it.”

Schools that are interested include Iowa State, Iowa, Gonzaga, and more.

Although it is early in the process Bell has an idea of what he is looking for in a school.

“Hospitality and education is big for me.  Somewhere I can fit in.  Somewhere I don't have to wait behind someone.  Be the last option.  That is really big for me.”