Ole Miss basketball focuses on rebuilding and recruiting

The Ole Miss men’s basketball program is entering a rebuilding phase following a 15-20 season that saw the team miss the NCAA Tournament. Despite a disappointing conference record, head coach Chris Beard noted the team showed significant potential during a late-season run in the SEC Tournament, where the No. 15 seed Rebels defeated Texas, Georgia, and Alabama before losing to Arkansas in the semifinals.

To bolster the roster for the upcoming campaign, Beard has integrated several transfers, including Budd Clark from Seton Hall, Roman Siulepa from Pittsburgh, and Ben Henshall. The team also expects to welcome back contributors Patton Pinkins and Ilias Kamardine.

On the recruiting front, Ole Miss has scheduled an official visit for 2028 five-star guard Tai Bell for the weekend of October 30. Bell, the son of former NBA player Raja Bell and brother of Texas Longhorns freshman Dia Bell, is a highly sought-after prospect who has also received interest from programs like Texas.