Kierstan Bell is one of the greatest FGCU women’s basketball players ever. The guard has a resume that goes on for days and includes two All-American nods and two ASUN Player of the Year awards. Bell also led the Eagles to back-to-back conference titles.
“She goes down as an all-time great FGCU Eagle,” FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said.
After her junior year, Bell got drafted into the WNBA. In her first season in the association, she won the championship with the Las Vegas Aces. Now, Bell is banner hunting again. The former Eagle has a chance to win her fourth title in as many years.
“This is the best moment you could ever possibly have in basketball,” Bell said when remembering the moments following her first WNBA championship. “Being able to go to back-to-back Finals is very, very crazy.”
It may be crazy, but it’s true. Bell and the Aces are WNBA Finals bound again. If they win, Las Vegas will become just the third team in WNBA history to go back-to-back.
“Coming into the league and winning two championships back-to-back is something that is definitely not on my list, but definitely can be checked off,” Bell said.
If that box does get checked, it will mean a little more this year. Bell has seen double the amount of playing time this season. She’s averaging 12 minutes a game and has increased all of her stats. Bell is putting up four points, two rebounds and half an assist each game.
“You can see she’s a lot more comfortable out there than she was a year ago,” Smesko said. “She’s really developed as a player. She’s got more playing time this year and has been more productive. It’s good to see her growth as a player.”
“I feel like this year will probably be a little more special because I get to contribute a little bit,” Bell added.
Those contributions will be needed as Las Vegas is going up against a very talented New York team. The Liberty beat the Aces in three out of their five meetings in the regular season this year.
“I think we’re ready to play, I think they’re ready to play,” Bell said. “This is going to be a great series.”
The WNBA Finals begin Sunday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m. on ABC.