It will be a full year before Missouri fans can take in the sights of the latest transfer signing of Frank Haith's, but the wait should be well worth it given Keion Bell's scoring history. The former Pepperdine product won't be eligible until the 2012-13 season, sitting out this year due to the transfer, but once he's here, he should enjoy the same wide-open ability to be a featured scorer given Mizzou's upcoming graduation of several seniors.
Bell was the leading scorer for his last two years at Pepperdine. Last year, the junior led the Waves in scoring at 18.9 points/game and that comes after averaging 18.5 ppg the season before that. Even in his freshman year, the 6-3 guard averaged double digits with 12.9 ppg.
But it's not all roses with Bell. Otherwise, why transfer? Well, the surface answer seems to be two separate suspensions given to Bell in his junior year. The first was a shoving incident with a coach that cost Bell three games in mid-season. The second incident prematurely ended Bell's junior year as head coach Tom Asbury suspended Bell for the final month of the season for "conduct detrimental to the team."
A fresh start is usually needed after seasons like that one, so here's hoping Bell enjoys his new surroundings with Haith and company at Mizzou. Here's also hoping to Bell staying under control for one more productive season.