Departing Jimmy Bell Thanks West Virginia on Social Media

WVU transfer Jimmy Bell thanks West Virginia in a farewell post over social media on Saturday afternoon. Bell entered the transfer portal on Friday and will be pursuing basketball for his final year of eligibility, he tells The Portal Report and WV Sports Now. 

Bell released the following statement:

“Where do I start… this year at West Virginia has been filled with memories, love, and friendships that will last me a lifetime. I want to say thank you to the football team for bringing me in this past spring and giving me the opportunity to put the pads back on. Basketball has been a part of my life since I was a young kid. Basketball is where my heart is, basketball is my peace and basketball is what I love to wake up every day and do. Good luck to my brothers this year, I know they will have a great season and I’ll still be rooting for them without a doubt. Though I Won’t be here for sports, I will graduate here and West Virginia will always feel like home to me. I’m forever grateful to have been a part of this amazing state!!”

… LUV TUNK 🖤 pic.twitter.com/WKaFwDDK02

— TUNK🖤 (@JimmyBellJr15) April 29, 2023

Since entering the transfer portal, Bell (6-foot-10) has heard from Austin Peay, BYU, DePaul, Georgia Southern, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Missouri, New Mexico State, Old Dominion, Saint Louis, Seton Hall, Temple, UCF, UNC Wilmington and others. 

Bell started in all 34 games for the Mountaineers this past season, averaging 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. The Saginaw, MI., native arrived on WVU’s campus last April and began his weight loss journey which resulted in him losing 80 pounds over the summer. Bell joined WVU’s team after a stint in JUCO ball at Moberly Area CC. Bell started his collegiate career off at Saint Louis, who contacted him in the portal on Friday.