MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Jordan Bell was preparing to meet the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles on Feb. 6 when he learned that he had been dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies. Minutes after the trade came to light, Bell received a call from Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks.

When Bell picked up, Brooks was shouting in excitement. The screams were so loud that Bell had to hold the phone away from his ear.

“He’s a true brother,” Bell said. “It’s not just something that’s fake. You play with a teammate and you call him your brother, but Dillon is like my legit brother, one of my best friends.”

Bell and Brooks formed that deep bond during their three seasons at the University of Oregon, where they helped lead the Ducks to a storied run to the Final Four in the 2017 NCAA Tournament before entering the NBA draft.

Three years later, the two former Oregon stars have been reunited in Memphis.

“I’m super stoked,” Brooks said. “I feel like this is a great opportunity for him to showcase his talents, showcase what he does best. I feel like he could fit in with us really well.”

Bell and Brooks took similar paths to the NBA. Both left Oregon after three seasons and were drafted in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft, Bell going No. 38 overall and Brooks going No. 45. But their paths have diverged since they entered the league.

Brooks experienced the lows of two losing seasons and watched two separate coaches get fired during a tumultuous first two seasons with the Grizzlies. But this season, he has played a key role in the team’s surprise ascent under new head coach Taylor Jenkins.

After averaging 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists while appearing in all 82 games during his rookie season, Brooks fell out of favor in his second season, making just 18 appearances for the Grizzlies. But he is now enjoying a breakout season. The 6-foot-7 swingman is averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 54 starts for an up-and-coming Grizzlies team that has exceeded expectations and currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

“I’ve gotten to feel everything about the NBA,” Brooks said. “Coaches getting fired, losing, understanding how to stay professional and ultimately getting out of all that and figuring out with this young group how to win and compete in this league.”

A cornerstone of the young Grizzlies team, Brooks, 24, was recently rewarded for his impressive play with a three-year, $35 million extension.

“We got guys that want to win,” Brooks said. “Everyone is unselfish and everybody has a bond with each other off the court. I feel like that’s what happens on good teams, not only on the court, but off the court, always having communication with each other, always having fun, always having each other’s backs, that makes a great team.”

It is a team and environment that Bell hopes he can revitalize his career.

A defensive-minded power forward, Bell began his career with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 4.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 14.2 minutes in 57 appearances during his rookie season as the Warriors won the 2018 NBA championship.

His minutes and production declined in his second season with the Warriors, and he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves as a free agent last offseason. But Bell once again struggled to break in with the Timberwolves, who dealt him to the Rockets before the trade deadline. A day after acquiring him, the Rockets sent Bell to Memphis in exchange for forward Bruno Caboclo.

Bell, who holds career averages of 3.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.8 blocks in 12 minutes per game, has yet to make an appearance for the Grizzlies.

“I just think it’s kind of difficult when the team is established, past halfway through the season and they’re playing very well right now,” said Bell, 25. “Whenever coach calls my name, I’m going to be ready. I’m going to keep working like I’ve been doing.”

Bell has leaned on Brooks over the last week as he has tried to quickly adjust to a new system and team, turning to his longtime friend whenever he has questions about plays or coverages.

“It’s definitely a blessing to have Dillon on this team,” Bell said. “He’s established on this team, so he’s someone I can learn from and go to whenever I have any questions.”

The two former teammates spend nearly all their time together away from the court. Bell is staying in Brooks’ apartment for the time being, although their living situations could change soon. Since signing his three-year extension with the Grizzlies, Brooks has started to think about buying a house in Memphis.

Off the court, the conversations between the two friends inevitably turn to their days at Oregon, their beloved former coach Dana Altman and their run to the Final Four. Bell and Brooks went 90-23 in their three seasons in Eugene, helping lead the Ducks to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2017 Final Four.

Even as they continue to move forward in their NBA careers, those memories will stick with them.

“Just battling with Jordan and going through adversity and having success, going to the Final Four, that made us really close,” Brooks said. “We cherish those memories. Those are moments that will stay in our lives forever.”