Pioneer Basketball’s Ethan Bell Lands Professional Contract with Rome City Lions

Pioneer Basketball's Ethan Bell Lands Professional Contract with Rome City Lions- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, April 29, 2026

Paragould, Ark. - Senior point guard Ethan Bell of Crowley's Ridge College Men's Basketball has taken the next step in his playing career, signing a professional contract with the Rome City Lions of the Rome City Institute in Rome, Italy. A native of Chinook, Montana, Bell now moves from the collegiate ranks to the international stage.

A natural leader and floor general, Bell began developing his game in Montana before continuing at the collegiate level. He earned playing time at Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana, before finishing his career at Crowley's Ridge College in Paragould, Arkansas.

During the 2025–26 season, the 6'0 guard helped lead the Pioneers to a second consecutive American Midwest Conference Tournament appearance. CRC's season came to a close in a hard-fought 79–73 overtime loss to Central Baptist College on February 27.

Throughout his career, Bell proved to be a dependable presence in high-pressure moments, earning a reputation for his work ethic and determination. Down the stretch of his senior season, he elevated his play and became a key contributor and pillar to the Pioneer offense. Over the team's final 10 games, Bell scored in double figures in eight contests and shot an impressive 54.55 percent from beyond the arc. He finished the season averaging 12.1 points per game, 2.0 assists per game, and 41.5 percent shooting from the field.

Bell is set to travel overseas in January 2027 to join the Lions in Rome, where he will compete in a 45-game season running through May. During that time, he will face a mix of professional and semi-professional competition while also working toward a Master's Degree in Sports Management from the Rome City Institute.

When asked for a comment, Bell reflected on his journey, saying:

"I would like to thank Crowley's Ridge College for welcoming a kid from small town Montana with open arms from the day I arrived on campus. I will never be able to thank Coach Perkins and Coach Flynn enough for the life-changing opportunity they gave me to pursue my education and continue playing basketball at the collegiate level.

A topic of discussion during my recruitment at CRC was the possibility of playing professionally after college, so to reach this moment is a little surreal. When I went down with an injury two games into my junior season, I didn't know what would happen. I put it in God's hands, and everything worked out.

To the CRC faculty and administration, thank you for the support you've given me over the past two years, both on the court and in the classroom. The people at CRC truly care about their students and go above and beyond when challenges arise.

Finally, I want to end by saying "I did all I could, so God can do what I can't. There is always light at the end of the tunnel."

Congratulations, Ethan, on this massive leap in your career. We wish you the best of luck in your next phase of life and basketball journey. #GOPIONEERS 

Photo Credit: Amy Glenn 

Graphic Credit: David Gorianskii