Giant Bell makes switch to Magic

RICHARD Bell has joined Manchester Magic after being released by Manchester Giants.

The BBL club parted company with the 6ft 9ins forward last week with the intention of bringing in a replacement as they battle to haul themselves away from the foot of the top flight.

But neighbours Magic have moved quickly to snap him up.

They are delighted to add the skilled big man to their NBL1 squad with National Cup final and National Trophy clashes against Hemel Storm and Northumbria this month.

Bell, who joined the Giants at the start of last season after playing in US with Division One University of Nevada and D2 Clayton State, averaged eight points and five rebounds in 13 appearances this season.

He was keen to remain in Manchester after the Giants decided to pursue other options to complete his masters at MMU.

“I’m excited about joining the Magic and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Bell said.

“I know they are a great club that has enjoyed a lot of success and I’m looking forward to helping that continue.”

Magic head coach Paul Middleton is delighted to have added the Sussex-born player, saying: “We have been looking to add some extra size in the squad for some time and Richard seems like the perfect fit for us.

“He is a real inside presence and extremely versatile on the perimeter. He poses an outside threat that will make him a difficult match-up for opponents.”

Magic’s next outing is an away trip to NBL Division One rivals Kent Crusaders tomorrow, with Bell set to make his debut in the Cup final against Hemel.

The Giants, meanwhile, are considering a shortlist of alternative options as they look to turn around their fortunes in the second half of the season.