Transcript Of Charlie Bell's Chat On ESPN.com

Oct. 13, 2000

spartanfever at 3:14pm ET
Charlie, Do you believe that Michigan state can remain a powerhouse after you guys are long gone? Because I think Coach Izzo has something special there as long as he stays.

Charlie Bell at 3:14pm ET
I think so. Even when we are gone. Coach Izzo is getting the best players in the state and we're on TV a lot so a lot of great high school players from across the country are coming here.

SpartansInWisconsin at 3:15pm ET
Charlie, how are the two freshmen, Zach Randolph and Marcus Taylor adjusting in practice? Are they as impressive as they looked in High School?

Charlie Bell at 3:15pm ET
I think with anybody, there is an adjustment period. Marcus has playing all summer long. We're trying to get Zach in better shape because we play an up-tempo game.

MikeT at 3:15pm ET
Charlie,
What is the most important role you have to play on this year's squad?

Charlie Bell at 3:16pm ET
Be more of a leader with Mateen gone. Along with scoring, I'll have to pick that up since we lost a lot with Morris Peterson gone.

midnight madness at 3:17pm ET
Charlie, do think that you'll be playing as much point guard this year as you did last year and would you honestly rather playing shooting over point or vice versa?

Charlie Bell at 3:17pm ET
I think I would like to play both. I'll play more point this year. Marcus and I are interchangable. I want to show I can handle the ball and get otherguys the ball to score to show people at the next level. I would say I'll play more point this year.

Luke's Older Bro Todd B. at 3:18pm ET
What is your take on the Indiana U situation?

Charlie Bell at 3:19pm ET
It was sad to see a great coach go out like that. You would rather see a farewell tour like other great coaches have done. I was a little disappointed by that. I felt bad for the players, if I had seen coach Izzo go like that I would have felt the same way.

Marty at 3:19pm ET
Hello Charlie, Describe what it was like winning "The National Championship" last season as a player on Michigan State?

Charlie Bell at 3:20pm ET
For me, it was a feeling of relief. It was something you dream about, then know that you win the game and whole country is watching. It was hard to describe. It was like weight lifted off our shoulders. It was a dream we all had when we were little.

Smitty_ at 3:20pm ET
Since Izzo passed on the NBA offer, do you see him being a Spartan for life?

Charlie Bell at 3:21pm ET
I think so. That was a lot of money on the table. I think that showed the family-type atmosphere here. Mateen and Mo turned down money as juniors. Everyone has a lot of love for everyone here.

SpartanFever, Baby! at 3:21pm ET
Charlie, what was it like to see Mateen's face when his name was called at the draft? Will you be there next year?

Charlie Bell at 3:23pm ET
I think we all got together as a team and to see that smile, we were all happy and smiling like that. He couldn't stay still, he was squirming and shaking. He didn't care about the money, he wanted to play in the NBA. I hope if things go well this year the same thing will happen and I will be at the draft too.

Rossdogg from as3.lnng.mi.voyager.net at 3:23pm ET
Hi Charlie, i will be in attendance tonight at the midnight madness festivities, and i was wondering what kind of things are going to happen to show the new spartans?

Charlie Bell at 3:24pm ET
Not reaaly. We will go out and have a lot of fun. It's exciting for us and for our fans. We can't wait. I'm getting...my stomach is a little queasy. We are ready for a new year.

Mitch P. at 3:24pm ET
Charlie, what is the outlook on the big ten this year? Alot of big names are gone, who do you think will step up?

Charlie Bell at 3:25pm ET
I think us and Illinois are the favorites to win the league, but there are a lot of schools won't lay down. Iowa has Recker, Indiana has something to prove. It will be a hard-fought battle. The best man will win.

Vim at 3:25pm ET
Hey Charlie. First, I want to thank you for such a great ambassador for the university. Players like you and Andre Hutson have shown incredible skill and effort both on and off the court and have instilled a great sense of pride in MSU students and alums alike. Secondly, what do you think of the new uniforms for this year? What is the consensus of the team on this?

Charlie Bell at 3:26pm ET
Everybody loves them. Nike did a great job. It is like a throwback type like when Magic was here. We're defending champions, new logo on there. It isn't the uniform, but the player wearing the uniform who wins the game.

Chuck MSU 84 at 3:27pm ET
Charlie, How does it feel to be the "LONESTONE"
Are there other guys headed to MSU from flint?
GO STATE!

Charlie Bell at 3:28pm ET
It is going to be lonely without Mateen, Tonio and Mo, so now I am outnumbered, one from every city now. I'm just one now, though there is one walk-on from Flint.

charlie bell from cs.uiuc.edu at 3:28pm ET
what kind of vertical do you have? and when did you start dunking?

Charlie Bell at 3:29pm ET
The first time I dunked was in 7th grade. I am not Jason Richardson or Vince Carter, but I can get up there when I want to.

Charlie Bell at 3:29pm ET
Thanks for your questions.