From Richmond to Richmond: Michael Belle journeys to Division 1 school

Bersabeh Kemaw, Staff Writer

London Native Michael Belle made his way from Richmond, U.K  to play basketball here in Richmond, Va as a VCU guard and wing

Belle played at an Amateur Athletic Union, or AAU, level for about four years before playing for a professional basketball club in Strasbourg, France, according to his former AAU coach, Isaac Omirin.

“When he comes to England, I still work with him and his game.” Omirin said. 

Belle played for SIG Strasbourg since he was 16 years old, before deciding to continue pursuing his basketball career in the states this year, according to Belle.

“One of the [Strasbourg] representative agents found me when I was playing back in London at a local tournament,” Belle said. “He proposed this big opportunity to play at one of the highest levels for my age in France.”

This was an opportunity that Belle didn’t expect because he was playing basketball for fun at that time, so when the opportunity came, he couldn’t say no, according to Belle. 

“That’s the only opportunity I feel like I would’ve gotten,” Belle said. “Especially so early at 16. No one my age back home was doing that.”

VCU head coach Ryan Odom began the recruitment process to get Belle while he was still coaching at Utah State University, according to Odom.

“[Assistant] Coach [Matt] Henry went over to see Michael,” Odom said. “When I went to go see him, he was in Strasbourg. I was able to get to know him and spend time with him and his family.”

Belle also played for Hoopsfix Elite and competed against LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., his brother Bryce and the rest of the California Basketball Club in 2022, which opened peoples’ eyes to Belle’s talent, according to Omirin.

“Before that, Michael was performing really well at Strasbourg, but no one was really talking about him,” Omirin said. “Obviously people that wanted him knew [about his talent] but having an effective game that day opened up a lot of doors for him.”

He finished that game as the top scorer, with 19 points, nine rebounds and five steals, according to HoopsFix.

Many recruiters, colleges and coaches started reaching out to Belle after that game, according to Belle.

“That summer, I wasn’t sure I could get any high or mid major D1 offers,” Belle said. “When all the programs began reaching out after that game, I made a decision to tunnel in on D1.”

VCU stood out from the many schools that reached out to him because of the loyalty from Odom and his staff throughout their recruitment process, according to Belle.

“Ryan and the Utah State staff were trying to recruit me since September,” Belle said. “When I heard Ryan was coming to VCU, and they were trying to give me an offer from VCU, there was no better mix to me than that.”

Belle is not only a good player on the court, but he’s a great person off the court, according to Odom.

“When you come in contact with Michael, you can tell he’s a very kind and loving guy,” Odom said. “Those are the kind of guys we want here at VCU, guys that want to be great players, students and people.”

The totality of Belle’s work is what drew in Odom and his staff, Odom said.

“What excites us is we see what he can become,” Odom said. “The future is very bright.”

Belle is excited to start competing and winning for the black and gold, according to Belle.

“I want to know what competing at one of the highest levels in America is,” Belle said. “Being outside of America, you always watch the NBA and Duke and all the other programs, but now, being here in the moment, I want to know what it’s like to win.”

Belle’s success has set out a path not only for himself, but for those coming after him as well, according to Omirin.

“He’s not only carrying the torch for himself, but he’s now carrying the torch for so many kids at our club in Richmond, UK,” Omirin said. “A lot of the kids look at him as a god.”