by Jeff Goodman

Look for Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt to use Zach Peacock more at small forward.

Bell felt numbness in his extremities after he hit his head on a teammate's leg while diving for a ball during a workout on Oct. 10.

He was examined Tuesday by Dr. John Heller, a specialist at Emory Orthopedic and Spine Center, and was told he would not be able to play this season.

"Actually I walked into the doctor's office with high hopes, but once I received the news I was pretty much stunned," Bell told The Associated Press.

"Currently I still do not know how really to react to it. I'm just thankful and truly blessed we were able to figure out what was wrong and now we're able to take the proper measures."

The stenosis, a narrowing and compression of the spinal cord, is located in the cervical portion of Bell's spine.

Bell said he plans to have the surgery during the winter break in December, and that he'll be able to begin his rehab program six to eight weeks after the surgery.

Team orthopedist Dr. John Xerogeanes said the surgery is "necessary for his quality of life, whether he plays basketball again or not."

Bell said he was told he has a chance to play next season.

"The doctor said that could happen," Bell said.

"I am going to be taking my redshirt year. As far as me playing after the surgery, it's up in the air. It's a possibility. We'll have to see how I feel after all the rehab and everything."

The 6-foot-6 Bell was recently touted by Hewitt as one of the team's leaders.

"It hurts not to be able to play," Bell said in a statement released by Georgia Tech.

"But I know God has a plan for me, and I need to do what is best for my future. My focus now will be on making sure I do what I need to do academically to finish up in the spring. I have to have the surgery whether I want to play again or not, so I probably will do that during winter break."

Bell, a management major on track to graduate in May, averaged 6.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season.

"We're very disappointed for D'Andre," Hewitt said. "At the same time, however, he was fortunate to have caught this before something catastrophic happened on the court."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.