Syracuse SF Chris Bell Joins Cal Hoops Through Portal

The Bears inched closer to completing their 2025 portal recruiting class with the commitment of Syracuse and former De La Salle forward Chris Bell‍ yesterday.

After starting 23 games as a frosh for the Orangemen, Bell had a breakout season as a soph in 2023-24, averaging 12 points per game on 43% shooting from the perimeter but saw his production decline a bit last season, averaging 9.3 points per game on 35% shooting from behind the arc, though he shot 44% from 3 in ACC play. His 84 made 3’s were 24 more than Cal’s 3-point leader last season, Jeremiah Wilkinson. Over his three-year career at Syracuse, Bell knocked hit 170 three-pointers, ranking among the top 15 in school history.

Bell had his best games last season against Texas Tech where he went 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, finishing with 22 points and against Pitt, where he hit seven 3-pointers, scoring 23 points in the win.

The newest Bear played his first three seasons of high school ball at nearby De La Salle before transferring to prep school powerhouse Wasatch Academy in Utah as a senior. He was rated a 4 star recruit and #72 in the nation as a prep and chose Syracuse over USC, Washington, Florida State, Oklahoma and more. HIs dad Charlie played at Loyola-MD as a collegiate athlete.

Bell’s commitment takes the Bears to 12, with one roster spot remaining for the 2025-26 season.