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Through 75 career games, Chris Bell had never left the starting lineup. Of a six-player 2022 recruiting class, the six-foot-seven sharpshooter is now the last standing.

But after a zero-point performance against Wake Forest Tuesday — where Bell failed to convert on a 3-point attempt for the sixth-straight game — he and SU head coach Adrian Autry mutually agreed a change was needed.

To Autry, the long-range sniper was playing tentatively. Rather than worrying about helping the team, Bell appeared to be worried about not making a mistake that’d force him out of the game. So, for the first time in his college career, Bell came off the bench versus Florida State.

Despite being removed from the starting lineup for the first time, Bell notched a team-high 18 points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Syracuse (6-8, 0-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell 90-74 to Florida State (10-4, 1-2 ACC) Saturday, dropping to second to last in the ACC.

Bell’s four triples, however, were a welcome sign. The Orange notched their most 3s in a game this season. Postgame, Autry characterized the performance as Bell’s best of the year, saying he responded well and took advantage of the chances he had. For Bell, his 18-point night and new role represent a fresh start.

“I had a problem with just being in my own head. Worried about making mistakes, things like that,” Bell said postgame. “I think coming off the bench allowed me to just go in and play basketball.”

As soon as Bell saw his first 3 go through the net, he knew it was going to be a good night. The forward didn’t enter the contest until 11:19 remaining in the first half but quickly pulled the trigger when given the chance.

J.J. Starling drove baseline along the left side and kicked it to Bell. As Bell let it fly, FSU’s Bostyn Holt fouled on the closeout. He stepped to the free throw line and sank all three attempts.

A minute later, Bell stayed on the gas pedal. He dribbled right to left along the perimeter and pulled up through contact from the mid-range. The foul was called on the floor, and Syracuse got the ball back. Off the inbound, SU swung around the perimeter before finding Bell along the right wing, who pulled up and swished it home.

The make was his first from 3-point range since Dec. 3 against Tennessee. Since the game against the Volunteers, it’s been a battle for Bell. He’s seen struggles before throughout his career. Every great shooter does.

To finish his freshman season, Bell shot a combined 5-for-31 beyond the arc across the final eight regular-season games. Even in his sophomore campaign — where he shot 42% from 3 on 200 attempts, ranking second in the ACC — Bell went 1-for-10 from beyond the arc against Gonzaga and 2-for-12 across an early five-game stretch.

However, as Bell embarked on the worst struggle of his career, it was apparent something needed to change. He had missed his last 13 attempts. Against Wake Forest, he started but played a season-low nine minutes.

Instead of worrying about being taken out of the game while already in, Autry thought about starting Bell on the bench. The idea was then shared with Bell.

“He responded to that well,” Autry said of Bell. “He had no issues. ‘Whatever I need to do for the team, what’s best for the team.’ And he’s been great.”

Autry said since that discussion, Bell has been notably more aggressive over the last few practices. The style continued into the game despite limited first-half play. Bell started again off the bench in the second but was substituted in with 16:20 to play after Lucas Taylor fouled.

As Florida State began to pull away, Bell caught a pass on the left wing and instantly released it, cashing in to cut the score to 52-48. A few possessions later, he caught a pass in the left corner again and buried it.

The Seminoles continued to pull away, but Bell added to his stellar day. Down 13 with under seven minutes to play, Starling moved forward and pushed the ball to Bell in the right corner as he crossed halfcourt. Bell caught it and converted, knocking down his fourth 3 on four attempts.

With Starling out, Bell only made two triples in seven games. Autry said the addition of the guard into the fold is beneficial for Bell’s productivity. With two ball handlers — adding to Jaquan Carlos — Bell could see more opportunities. Starling saw Saturday as a good chance of getting downhill and kicking out, building for Bell in the process.

Bell said postgame Starling’s presence is felt when he’s playing and felt when he’s not. He acknowledged Starling’s play equals more open looks for himself.

Down the stretch, Bell added three more free throws to bring his total to 18 on the night. Even through his horrid shooting stretch as of late, Bell found ways to score. He converted through the mid-range and inside, even getting to the free throw line at times and scoring 18 against UAlbany on Dec. 10 despite an 0-for-3 shooting night from deep. The focus for Bell turned to his shooting, and when the first shot went through against the Seminoles, he got going. The performance for Bell was his best in a while and aligns with his usage outside the starting five.

“Coming off the bench, there is no pressure. You’re gonna come out anyway,” Bell said. “So I just came in, shot shots, was aggressive. Probably tonight was the first time I kept shooting in a while.”

The game for Bell can undoubtedly be a spark going forward. But how can it help Syracuse? The Orange now sit two games under .500. SU still ranks 314th in the country in 3-point shooting.

As the conference schedule wanes on, Bell’s success must be Syracuse’s, too.

“He’s very important for us. Make no mistake about that. If we want to get this thing turned around, Chris Bell is a part of this,” Autry said.

Published on January 4, 2025 at 10:52 pm

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky