Sophomore center Chad Bell announced Monday that he has decided to leave the UNM men’s basketball team.
In a press conference Monday, with head coach Ritchie McKay by his side, Bell stated that his reasons for leaving were to find a bigger role in a different program and a desire to be closer to his Southern Californian home. McKay said he released Bell from his scholarship without any hard feelings.
An emotional McKay spoke of how much Bell had meant to the Lobo program.
“I want to thank Chad for what he has done for the University of New Mexico in his two seasons,” McKay said. “I’m disappointed of his decision, but understanding of it. Chad is a great person and someone that I care very dearly for.”
Bell said he felt it was in his best interest to pursue his career elsewhere not just because of lack of playing time, but because he wanted a bigger role than what he expected next year as a Lobo
“Obviously any player for their last two years wants a big role on the team,” Bell said. “I wanted a huge role where I could probably be one of the main emphases in the frontcourt.”
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Although Bell has no list of schools to attend in the future, he passionately spoke about returning to Southern California to be closer to his friends and family and reiterated that he has been homesick ever since arriving at UNM.
