Indiana State loses starter

[Da Coach]

Senior center T.J. Bell, who had moved into Indiana State's starting lineup their last 5 games, has suddenly and surprisingly left the team. It was announced by Head Coach Greg Lansing that he left the team "for personal reasons".

http://www.valleyhoopsinsider.com/tj-bell-leaves-indiana-state/

Bell missed all of last season due to an achilles tendon injury. He played in all 10 games for the Sycamores this season, and started the last 5. he was their 4th leading scorer with 6.1 ppg, and he averaged 3.5 rpg.

Bell graduated from Charleston (IL) HS, and he received recruiting interest from Bradley while in high school.

[tornado]

His production has fallen way off in recent games....
Bell conceivably could still have this year and one more of eligibilty...if he stays at Indiana State...but that kinda goes out the window if he transfers.
He really only played two seasons before this year - he redshirted in 2012-13 and in 2015-16...and likely could get the Sam-Singh-6th year waiver...
but if he transfers elsewhere in NCAA - his eligibility could expire ... NAIA has been known to make 6th year exceptions..


little known factoid...
TWICE during his high school career - he quit his team and transferred to another high school LINK LINK

http://bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=234687#post234687

[tornado]

Senior center T.J. Bell, who had moved into Indiana State's starting lineup their last 5 games, has suddenly and surprisingly left the team. ...

he's baaaack...
It was reported on Dec. 15:
“TJ Bell is stepping away from Indiana State Basketball for personal reasons”
the currently 7-11 Indiana State Sycamores went 2-6 in his absence.


...but today,
"Indiana State senior TJ Bell has been reinstated to the Sycamore Basketball team, effective immediately,
as first announced by head coach Greg Lansing on his weekly radio show on Monday evening.

Bell decided to step away from the program in mid-December, but requested to return to the program
to complete his fifth and final season with Sycamore Basketball.

"I understand now that I made a mistake by deciding to step away from the Sycamore Basketball program earlier this season,"
Bell said. "I feel extremely grateful to my teammates as well as coach Lansing, coach Gudino, coach Belcher and coach Parker for allowing this chance to continue my college basketball career.
What I have found out over the last month is that I really need this team, more so than they need me.
I've played basketball my entire life, and it has felt strange to not be in the game or with the team.
I can't thank everyone enough for giving me the opportunity to finish out my senior season the right way."

http://gosycamores.com/news/2017/1/17/tj-bell-rejoins-sycamore-basketball-program.aspx