NBA Rookie Ladder: March Madness memories

3. Jordan Bell vs Kansas (11 points, 13 rebounds, 8 blocks, 4 assists)

The Oregon Ducks were another team that made an unexpected run to the Final Four. The Ducks trip to Phoenix wasn’t as surprising as South Carolina’s, especially after their statement victory over the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks in the Elite Eight. Kansas City has been a home away from home for Kansas over the years, so when Oregon manhandled them on their way to a 74-60 victory it opened the eyes of many.

Oregon was led by the otherworldly outing of Jordan Bell. The Ducks were without starter Chris Boucher for the second half of the year, but Bell filled in beautifully as the anchor to the Oregon defense. Against Kansas, Bell turned the paint into a no-fly zone on his way to eight blocks on the game. The Jayhawks tried to attack the interior early and often, but each time Bell managed to effect their drives. Open lanes quickly closed down with Bell patrolling the paint.

Bell was the definition of a game-changer for Oregon on this night. Kansas totally changed the way they attacked Oregon in hopes of neutralizing Bell’s impact on the game. However, the Ducks had the perimeter defense to stifle the Jayhawks outside the lane as well and Bell went from shot-blocking extraordinaire, to a big man with the ability to switch onto guard on the perimeter. There was nothing Kansas could do to avoid him.

This game was an early precursor of what Bell would be deployed as during his rookie season with the defending world champion Golden State Warriors. Like all rookies, Bell needed time to adjust to the NBA game, but as the playoffs approach, Bell has rounded into a Draymond Green-like defender and he will be a vital piece during Golden State’s effort to repeat as NBA champions once again this summer.