If Suns games were a class, then Raja Bell would be an A student. I guess that would make me the "Janitor" that notices everything.
I recently had a couple of encounters with “RaRa” the other night when the Suns won their 13th straight against the Warriors. Even though the both run-ins were faster than a 24-second shot clock violation, it was a pretty good determining factor that made me proud that he was in a Suns uniform.
HOMEWORK: Bell, knowing that his jumper was off, obtained some game film from his made shots from the New Jersey, Portland and Houston games. This is a common practice amongst NBA players who want to improve their game and understand the mechanics of their shots in game scenarios. Right off the bat, Bell is doing his homework to achieve better results
STAYING LATE AFTER CLASS: After the Warriors game, I came across a discontent Bell heading to the practice court with a basketball in hand and two ball boys following. He hoisted up three-point shots on the practice court. I was shocked. I can’t say that I have seen a player on the practice court (let alone a starter) after the game, unless they were getting garbage minutes and had to get required conditioning reps in. But there he was, shooting from the wings, perfecting his shot. He could have easily just hit the showers, done his post game interviews, and get on the bus to for a flight to Sacramento; But Raja, as determined as he is, stayed afterwards, if only for 5-10 minuets of quick shots.
PLAYS WELL WITH… [AGAINST] OTHERS: Well, let’s face it, no matter what team comes in, the player matching up against Raja always ends up complaining about how “great” his defense and sportsmanship was.
I mean, this guy really wants it: wins, improvement, everything. I don’t think that anyone in his position would be happy with their performance, shooting 29 percent from the field and 1-10 from three point land that night. But this sixth year NBA veteran came from grass roots up to NBA starter, and yet this guy pounded the practice court hardwood even after the Warriors game. That’s integrity, that’s actions speaking louder than words, and for that I give him the A+.
Comments
Bev Caballeros - Missin The Snow, CA
Agreed. Raja is an A-lister any day. He has been an awesome motivator to this Suns team,constantly bringing the fire we need to win. He's a courageous, strong figure out on that court and he's one of those guys that is great all around for any team.
He's having a baby! CONGRATULATIONS RAJA!
Mike Brooks - Tempe,Az
Raja is one of those guys whose character cant be replaced. Raja along with a few others has given this team a defensive identity. When other teams come to play in our house now...they know that there's gonna be Defensive intensity!!! RAJA ROCKS!!! congrats on the baby Raja, your gonna make a great Papa!!! :)
DENISE OCHOA - BULLHEAD CITY, AZ
I'M ONE OF THE BIGGEST FANS OF RAJA BELL. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT HIM IS HIS HUMBLENESS AND HIS BEAUTIFUL PERSONALITY. NO MATTER WHERE HE IS OR WHICH TEAM HE IS AGAINST HE ALWAYS HAS TIME FOR THE FANS IN THE CROWD. WHEN HE MISSES SHOTS HE ALWAYS STAYS A COUPLE MIN. AFTER THE GAME LOSE OR WIN TO PERFECT HIS SIGNATURE THREE POINTER SHOTS, OR EVEN IN HALF TIME!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD TEAMWORK RA RA, AND KNOW THAT WE STAND BEHIND YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!!! LOVE YOU!!
Courtney Angelo - Scottsdale
I'd gladly take your janitor gig, Aaron! I have Raja on my fantasy team, and I couldn't be happier. He puts a lot of heart in his game, and I'm glad he's a Sun!
Denise Bell - Miami, Fl
Raja understands the importance of hard work both off and on the court. He has worked extremely hard in order to get where he is today. He continues to make us proud.
Roman Meyer - Switzerland
Raja is not only a fantastic player for this Suns team, but he's also a terrific person. I got the chance to meet him this summer in a Basketballcamp in Switzerland. At one point I was playing with some of the Swiss coaches against some of the best campers, and there were very few swiss coaches that were playing. Raja was there and he immediately offered to play with us, even though he was still having some trouble with his calf. He made the day of those campers who got a chance to play with him, and he made mine, too.
I saw him again a couple of months later when the suns were playing in Cologne. I was sitting courtside and I hollered out to him during the shoot-around. He immediately came up to me and gave me a hug. He then took the little suns logo I had made when I was like 15 and gave it too all the players who were on the floor at the time to sign it. He offered to do this without me even asking. I'm really happy that Raja plays for this team.
If you're reading this Raja, I wish you all the best for the season and obviosly with the baby, I'm positive your gonna do a great job being a dad, too. Hopefully you'll be back at that camp some day. Big greetings also to the Bell Tower, and thanks again for the shirt you gave me in Cologne!
Lisa King - Las Vega
And he's cute too!!!
Karina Estrella - phoenix az
I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT RAJA IS A GREAT PERSON I GOT TO MEET HIM AT THE US AIRWAY ENTER AND HE CAME UP TO ME I WAS IN SHOK. I COULD NOT BELIVE IT I TOLD HIM THAT I AN HIS BIGGEST FAN AND THAT I HAVE A POSTER OF HIM ON MY WALL AND EVERY DAY THAT I WAKE UP I LOOK AT IT AND IT JUST MAKES ME DAY. I LOVE RAJA AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THOES 3 POINTERS TOO. LOOVE YOU GOD BLESS YOU FOR EVER YOUR BIGGEST FAN.HEARS A LITTLE JINGGLE FOR YOU RAJA BELL RAJA BELL RAJA ALL THE WAY OH WHATS FUN IT ITS TO SHOOT THOES 3 POINTTERS TOO. GO RAJA BELL!!!! GO MY BELL TOWER!
Susan :-) - Honolulu, Hawaii
I've never been as lucky as the fans who actually met him here or at the games. Being in Hawaii makes it difficult to drive down to the arena & catch all of the Suns games. But I do visit my sis in Phoenix yearly & the 1st thing on my Xmas list is a SUNS game! I watch whatever games ESPN or TNT televises. Mr. Bell is one of my favorite Suns athlete alongside Mr. Marion. I like his assertive style on the court & humbleness in his personality. It's obvious he is a dedicated athlete & a team player. I truly enjoy his feistyness on the court too! :-) I know 2007 will be the best yet for the Suns as they make their trek to the NBA Finals! This Suns fan in Hawaii is cheering for you Mr. Bell & Company! Continue to play with heart & it will come full circle! Hope to meet you in person one day soon! :-) Aloha ~ Susan P.S. Happy New Year!
Gina Villa - Tempe,Az
I was never really a basketball fan until last season when my boyfriend turned me on to the SUNS. The very first player that caught my eye was Raja Bell. I now consider myself one of his great fans. Mr.Bell has an adge in his personality that shines on the basketball court and just makes you feel like you just cant NOT watch. I'm always waiting to see what he's going to do next. I always elbow my boyfriend and tell him "look at Raja all up in it...that dude doesnt stop!! THANKS FOR MAKING ME A SUNS FUN!!!
maya BELL - chandler phoenix, AZ
Okay to tell you the truth i was going down the wrong path until one day i came home late and saw my brother watching the SUNS thats when raja bell had just made a 3 so i continue to watch basketball cuz i thought he looked fine..lol then i started go to their games!!!! i would want to say to thank you phoenix suns becauase with out you guys i would have no one to look up to and i probably be makin wrong choices will got to go much love for our suns keep up the good work i love all you guyz mwuuahhh!!!
Kristin Obert - Liberty, IL
I just want to say thanks to Raja Bell for making me a Suns fan. If it wasn't for him being the hottest man in purple shorts I would have never realized how great a team the Suns are. Also Congrats on the baby, though I might add I'm a little jealous of your wife. Also good luck to the Suns, you've got atleast one fan, even if it's a 17 year-old chick, rooting for you over here in Illinois.
Jared Sawyer - Chandler AZ
Aaroon, hey, buddy long time no see, writting for the Suns now hu? Hey man tell Raja I says congrats having such a positive work ethic is the reason why this is their year. Much love bro, GO SUNS!!
Max - Mesa.AZ.
Please read before Monday's game against the spurs. Take the ball inside to Amare and that alone will get Duncan in foul trouble early. That will win the game for us, let Kurt T. Guard Duncan on offensive, but Nash get the ball inside to start the game., Amare can draw the foul on Duncan. We have to get him in foul trouble early. Pass along
VERONIKA - AUSTIN,TX
I'M A HUUUUUGE RAJA FAN! HE'S AN EXCELLENT PLAYER AND GETS MAD RESPECT IN MY HOUSE(SPURS/LAKERS ZONE)KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND CONGRATS ON THE BABY
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