Episode Details

RJ Bell is entering his fourth season as an assistant coach and sixth season on staff for the Duquesne University Women's Basketball Team. After a two-year stint as a graduate student, Bell was promoted to assistant coach ahead of the 2023-24 season.

In his first season as offensive coordinator, Bell helped transform Duquesne into one of the top three-point shooting teams in the Atlantic 10 during the 2025-26 season.

Bell joined the staff after wrapping up his collegiate playing career at Geneva College. He played in all 65 games over his final three seasons with the Golden Tornadoes and helped lead the team to an appearance in the 2020 Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship Game.

On this episode Mike and RJ discuss being a coach's kid and carving out his own path in coaching, emphasizing the significance of relationship-building and character development within a team. We examine the intricacies of his transition from a graduate assistant to a full-fledged assistant coach, highlighting his new role as offensive coordinator and the ambitious goals he has set for his team. Additionally, we reflect on the vital importance of communication and cultural understanding in a diverse team environment, particularly as it pertains to leadership development among players. Bell shares the joys and challenges inherent in the world of college basketball coaching, as well as the commitment to fostering a positive and successful team culture.

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Have your notebook ready to go as you listen to this episode with RJ Bell, Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Duquesne University.

Website - https://goduquesne.com/sports/womens-basketball

Email - bellr3@duq.edu

Twitter/X - @rj_bell5

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