20) TROY BELL

20. Troy Bell: Boston College – (1999-03) Richfield, MN

Four years: 21.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.2 spg, 37.2% 3FG, 86.8% FT

Rookie of the Year (2000)

Co-Player of the Year (2001)

Player of the Year (2003)

Second Team Consensus All-American (2001)

Second Team Consensus All-American (2003)

Though he dominated the Big East during a time when the league was not as strong, his great success cannot be downplayed. He eventually went on to become one of the most dominating players in league history.

Overlooked as a high school player despite being the leading scorer in the state of Minnesota, Bell made the rest of the college basketball world pay right away with a freshman season of 18.8 ppg, 1.7 spg, and 39.9% from three. His 89.4% from the free throw line was 2nd best in the nation and his 96 made free throws are the most ever for a freshman in Big East games. His sophomore year was even more impressive as the 6’1” guard won Player of the Year honors, one of only seven players in the league’s history to accomplish the feat as a sophomore. During that season, Bell averaged 20.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.6 spg, 39.1% from three point land, and 85.7% from the free throw line. Most amazing is that Bell led the Eagles to the 8th best turnaround in NCAA history when they finished 27-5 after going 11-19 the year before. Bell’s scoring numbers continued to grow during his junior season as he ended up with 21.6 ppg. He also ended up with 4.1 rpg, 2.3 spg, and 88.3% from the line. As a senior Bell again won Player of the Year becoming only one of five players in conference history to win more than once. The award was no surprise as Bell completed an amazing season that saw him average 25.2 ppg, fifth best in the nation, as well as 4.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.3 spg, 84.7% from the line, and 40.2% from three point range. His 27.8 ppg in conference games is still a Big East record.

For his career, Bell totaled 2,632 points which is the most in league history for all games, and his 1,388 Big East points ranks 2nd best all-time. If that isn’t impressive enough, in conference games, Bell’s 22.4 ppg average is 3rd best, and his 87.0% free throws is 5th, plus he ranks 1st in free throws made, 8th in three pointers made, 9th in career steals, and 12th in steals per game. One of only four players, along with Terry Dehere, Mike Sweetney, and Allen Iverson, that scored 35 or more points in three Big East games. Bell was drafted 16th overall in the NBA draft, but played just six games. During the past season, Bell played professional in Italy.

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