WVU Needs More From Jimmy Bell Jr.

Since exploding for 15 points and 7 rebounds in the win over then 15th-ranked Auburn, Jimmy Bell Jr. has been quiet. Too quiet. Over the past six games, Bell is averaging 3.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Even in the team's 93-61 blowout win of Oklahoma, Bell hardly factored in, recording just one point and three rebounds.

Jimmy Bell's last six games:

4 pts, 3 rebs @ TCU

1 pt, 3 rebs vs OU

2 pts, 4 reb vs ISU

6 pts, 5 reb @ TEX

5 pts, 4 reb @ BAY

1 pt, 2 reb vs TT

Bob Huggins once referred to WVU's depth at center as a "three-headed monster". But that seems to be more of a dream than reality at this point. Mohamed Wague is talented but young and hasn't been able to string together quality outings. And as mentioned above, Jimmy Bell just hasn't been himself recently. James Okonkwo is still coming along but in my mind, has been West Virginia's most effective big since the turn of the calendar.

For WVU to have a fighting chance at making the NCAA Tournament, they need those three to play at a high level, particularly Bell, who is without question their best inside scoring threat. That said, I can't place all of the blame on Bell for his dip in production offensively. If you go back and watch the film, there are several instances where for whatever reason, Bell doesn't touch the ball when he has good positioning in the post. He doesn't get the ball nearly enough. And when he does, he draws a double-team and no one comes to get the ball, putting him in a tough spot.

The guards and wings have to do a better job of getting Bell the ball in the post and then helping him after they do so. If he continues to draw double-teams, someone is going to be open on the arc or they'll be a clear path for a cut to the basket. Not feeding Bell causes WVU's offense to become stagnant with a lot of dribbling and standing around and not enough ball movement/actions to create easy looks.

West Virginia doesn't need Derek Culver-level of production out of Bell, but they do need more. And it starts with the other four guys on the floor getting him more involved.

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