Bellot’s Journey to Fordham
The game of basketball can be played in many different styles and ways, depending on what a player and coach excel at. For some, it is hitting long-range shots, playing through the post, playing man or zone defense; it all differs. For players, this allows them to gain an identity within their team, and this is exactly what Desmond Bellot has done on the defensive end in his journey to Fordham next year.
He has excelled across some of the top competition across the country on the EYBL circuit as well as playing in both the NEPSAC and EYBL Scholastic league. Last year he averaged a steal a game during AAU with Expressions and averaged 11 points with a good squad.
During his time at CATS Academy, he has played in championships and was usually set with the task of guarding each team's primary ball handler. I recently got to ask him some questions about his journey to the Bronx in the Fall.
Bellot’s journey started as most young kids' sports stories do, “I tried playing a bunch of sports like soccer and I was pretty good at it, but I feel basketball came naturally to me and stuck with it ever since.”
Basketball has always had a bigger meaning for him throughout his time, and the lifelong friendships he has created with his teammates and coaches are what drive him to get better. He finds it crazy that the “kids I grew up with are also going D1 and I get to play against them next year,” which is the pinnacle of getting better with your friends every day at the highest level.
“Playing for Expressions has really helped me establish myself as a player and helped me to learn my strengths,” said Bellot. This is where he first figured out that his true calling card was defense, and in order to separate himself, he was going to need to shine on that side of the floor. “Shout out Coach Joe, because he instilled this defensive mindset into me early on” and the rest is history.
He also highlighted the importance of playing up and facing adversity at a young age so that you are ready when you're older. Playing in the NEPSAC and EYBL, he was able to appreciate knowing “there was a kid going high major or at least the D1 level on the other team, so I had to bring it every night, or we were probably gonna lose.”
During his eighth-grade year at Rivers, he played on Varsity before switching to CATS Academy for his high school career. “Playing against that type of competition all my life always gave me something to get better at, and it’s gotten me to where I am today.” The hard work and uncomfortable playing situations at times have led to a chance to play on a D1 roster.
Bellot is looking forward to the new challenge of A10 basketball next year: “I’m excited to play for Coach Mike as he’s the type of coach I feel where my game will thrive, and he’s just a good guy.” He feels that he will be able to produce and have an impact as soon as he gets on campus.
“The Bronx area and their campus is like a breath of fresh air, and I can’t wait to see what New York has to offer” is just another aspect of his new life that he is looking to embrace. Another thing he is looking forward to in the city is “to build connections that set me up later in life” and of course, “also a lot of food places I want to try, so I'm really looking forward to that too.”
As he looks to next year, he wants to continue to improve his shooting. Bellot shot 34% from outside for the entirety of the EYBL season last summer, but connected on 46% in Expressions’ Peach Jam run. Another aspect he’s focused on is to “expand my bag and get to my spots in the mid range more effectively,” which will only make him more of a threat when on the floor.
The future Fordham Ram knows that things are going to change, and to continue to stand out, he’s going to need to stay locked in: “The next level is a whole different game. I’m just tryna prepare for that,” said Bellot. If he puts in the work he’s been putting in, the path will pave itself.
Bellot has been a great player in our area since his time in middle school, playing in our Hooprootz events: “NERR has always shown love since middle school with write-ups and articles even before anyone knew about me,” said Bellot.
He concluded with, “I’ll always remember those who supported me throughout my journey, especially early on in my career.”
Desmond Bellot