SPORTS
KANSAN.COM
FROM BARBER PAGE 8
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN
each Jerrance Howard's hair for
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN Isaiah Bell, from Lawrence, Kansas, works as a barber for Legacy Barber Shop. Bell has been cutting assistant basketball coach Jerrance Howard's hair for the past three years.
always, Bell had to prove himself.
Cutting hair didn't start as a passion, but an interest. The childhood ambition Bell had as a boy developed into his love for being a barber.
"Barber is a lifestyle. To be a successful barber, sometimes you've got to start off doing more than the rest," Bell said. "You have to get in there and prove yourself first."
Three years ago, Bell once again had a chance to prove himself - this time with Kansas assistant coach Jerrance Howard. Howard had seen Bell at Marty's shop before, but had never gotten a cut from him. And it wasn't just Bell's talent that caught Howard's eye.
"I saw this young, passionate kid that started working in the barbershop and I saw how detailed he was," Howard said. "They used to make fun of how slow he was and just give him a hard time. That's what the barbershop does."
Bell took criticism with pride, never letting it shadow what he wanted to accomplish. Howard looked over at Bell and the cut he was working on. An "unbelievable" cut, as Howard described it. From that moment on, Howard waited for the day Bell would cut his hair.
On Jan. 5, 2016, that day came.
Bell received a call from Howard. The Oklahoma Sooners were in town for a
rare No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown that lived up to its high expectations.
"Yeah. With Buddy Hield and triple overtime," Bell said, "he needed a cut for that game because he was hype."
In moments like these, Bell rises to the occasion. There were only a couple of hours until tipoff and Bell had to give Howard something he would love. The pressure was on, but Bell never folds.
"He's a humble kid and his work ethic is unbelievable," Howard said. "That's what attracted me. I think at a young age when you are around positive people that are inspiring people, that wears off on our youth."
Bell couldn't help but
smile thinking about that triple-overtime thriller. He watches every game and always looks for Howard and the players he's worked on.
Watching the Jayhawks is common in his shop, but the TV doesn't just show the team Bell has come to know.
Now that the college basketball season is finished, Newman hasn't seen Bell as much.
One day before the season's basketball banquet, Newman sat in the media room of Allen Fieldhouse running his hand down his hair with a sheepish grin across his face.
"I actually need to call
Bell soon," Newman said. "My hair isn't looking great right now. I got to have Bell fix that."
I actually need to call Bell soon. My hair isn't looking great right now. I got to have Bell fix that."
Malik Newman Sophomore guard
The Jayhawks are always quick to appreciate Bell.It's significant to have a professional making sure the players look good, especially when they know thousands are going to see
Age isn't what makes Bell feel close to the players. It's the mindset.
them.
Since he's from Mississippi, Newman doesn't have a car in Lawrence. The barber chair at McCarthy isn't just a luxury for him, it's crucial. The schedule of a student athlete doesn't include much time for a visit to Legacy, which makes Bell's visits that much more special.
There is an understanding between Bell and Newman, one that is deeper than demographics.
Through Howard, Bell was presented the opportunity to groom the team and other Kansas athletes. Each opportunity he was given, Bell took advantage and
proved himself. He's a bon- afide barber, always paying attention to detail.
In the evening, Bell is often the only one in the shop. The line is waiting for his chair at Legacy. He leans his customer's head forward. He takes his clippers and looks closely, ensuring the fade is even on all sides: For a moment, Bell looks up from his customer's hair and plants his eyes on the TV.
"Wool!" he shouts, eyeing a Russell Westbrook dunk. "That was nice."
In the same way that Newman wants to reach the NBA, Bell said he feels like he has more room to become a professional himself. While watching the Thunder game, giving a cut to a young boy, Bell recalled that Newman didn't have a favorite NBA team, because he wants to make one.
This is his true connection to the players.
"One thing people should know about me is that I am always looking to make it to the next level," Bell said. "I've had my own shop, my work has been on TV, but there is always better."
Waiting for his turn in Bell's chair, a customer chimed in.
"Yeah man, it's a grind. You've always got to grind."
Bell looked up and gave a scintillating smile like he usually does.
"Always."
- Edited by Casey Brown
textbooks
Great American Bank is currently accepting applications for a P/Teller position at our Lawrence Main Bank location. Hours are 1-6pm M-F, & Sat. 8:30am-12pm. Send resume to: greatamerbank.com.
Send resume to hresources@greatambank.com.
Part time front desk help in busy Dr's office. Mon, Wed & Fri. afternoons + every Sat. morning. Call 785-749-0130 to fill out application.
PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN!
MAKE MONEY!
Top-rated sports camp needs fun loving counselors to teach all land, water & adventure sports. Great summer in Maine! Call (888) 844-8080. apply at:
www.campcedar.com
LEASE TODAY!!!
we have 1 & 2 BR Apartments with W/D and 2 BR duplexes.
LEASE your home today!
Rental Management Solutions
866-207-7480 www.RentRMS.com
Cooperative living - rooms available! Meet new people in downtown Lawrence, rent averages $460 & includes utilities, laundry, meals & wi-fi. Short term leases available. Contact us at
liveatuksha@gmail.com or visit www.uksha.com
kansan.com
sign up for our bi-weekly email newsletter on our website
connect with us //
the student voice for you