Ole Miss Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMSEC BasketballOle Miss Rebels

Nov 5

Our Ole Miss basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that recently more times than not the Rebels have been NIT bound. Since 2007, they’ve made 10 postseason appearances with seven of those being the National Invitation Tournament. Last year, the Ole Miss Rebels (16-12 Overall, 10-8 SEC) finished sixth in the SEC and were select for the NIT. They were eliminated in the first round. In the three years since Kermit Davis (51-42 Ole Miss/3 years, 454-280 Overall/23 years) has taken over, one of which neither tournament was played, he’s guided Ole Miss to the NCAA and NIT one time each. In essence, Davis has continued what his predecessor Andy Kennedy had instituted, which was to ensure that the Rebels would be competitive.

Rebels Frontcourt

The Ole Miss paint will look different than it did last year. The one major player who returns is guard/forward Luis Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a smooth inside-outside shooter, can play small forward or take on big guards. He was sixth in the SEC in steals last year and averaged 7.6 PPG and 6.3 SPG while shooting 45.4 percent. Two transfers, Jaemyn Brakefield (Duke) and Nysier Brooks (Miami, FL), will play forward and center respectively. A former five-star prospect, Brakefield will be expected to score and pass off the dribble while playing stretch 4. At seven-foot-even, Brooks can post up to score, and on the other end, utilize his size to defend. Our Ole Miss basketball preview 2021 - 22 sees returning junior Sammy Hunter and senior Robert Allen, both accurate field-goal shooters, being in the rotation.

Ole Miss Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Big time shot maker Devontae Shuler is gone. Senior Jarkel Joiner becomes the glue in the backcourt. The Rebels’ leading returning scorer, last season Joiner averaged 12.0 PPG while shooting 39.0 percent from the field. He’s an experienced leader, and in the final two weeks of last season, Joiner started to knockdown baskets at a high rate. Hopefully, he can continue that type of output this season. McDonald’s All-American Daeshun Ruffin, the highest-ranked recruit in Ole Miss history, arrives with a sweet shot and an aggressive style. The freshman uses his speed to attack the lane and score while creating havoc. James White, also a freshman, possesses a great work ethic and an accurate deep shot. Freshman Grant Slatten, a 4.0 student, is a natural shooter.