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A'ja Wilson’s teammate Kierstan Bell dealt with criticism, while dealing with the loss of close family members. On X on Monday, she penned a tear-jerking message, responding to a publication by Andscape’s Sean Hurd.
Bell, who signed a 3-year, $208,338 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, reflected on overcoming a tough year, which was marked by personal losses and self-doubt. She tweeted that she struggled with questioning her worth, talent and passion for the game but has since found her footing and is now thriving and grateful for the support of loved ones.
“Man I can say so much about what I’ve been thru this past year. Losing childhood friends, my father and my uncle. Losing hope and faith in a game I’ve loved my whole life. Questioning my worth, my talent and my existence as a whole. I stopped believing in myself and put myself in a hole that I didn’t know I would get out of.”
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Bell lost a close childhood friend in late 2024, then her father, Perry Bell, in January 2025, and later lost an uncle in April. Despite the trauma, she faced criticism from fans, who questioned the Aces’ decision to pick up her fourth-year option and pushed for her to be moved. Coach Becky Hammon and teammates, A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young, repeatedly told her to lean on the organization and it helped rebuild her confidence.
A lineup change, Jewell Loyd was moved to the bench, saw Bell inserted into the starting five. This gave her a new opportunity and she responded with a career-high 19 points in her first start after the change and became a reliable role player as the Aces surged. The team’s form improved dramatically after late July and Bell averaged increased minutes.
A'ja Wilson praised by teammate Kierstan Bell
Kierstan Bell praised A'ja Wilson after her performance against the Atlanta Dream on Aug. 27.
“It ain’t even nun else to say about her she really that,” A’ja Wilson’s teammate Bell tweeted accompanied by the GOAT icon.
A'ja Wilson recorded 34 points, nine rebounds and one assist, as the Aces won Atlanta 81-75 on the road. Bell added five points, two rebounds and three assists.
