Deadspin | Sweet last season, Ole Miss out to prove potency with depth

After reaching the Sweet 16 in last season's NCAA Tournament, Ole Miss is entering this new season with high hopes and even bigger expectations. The Rebels had their best basketball performance in over twenty years, finishing with a 24-12 record. They showcased their potential by pulling off wins against notable teams like North Carolina and Iowa State, before narrowly falling to the No. 2 seed Michigan State, losing by just three points (73-70). This season opener on Monday night in Oxford, Mississippi, pits Ole Miss against Southeastern Louisiana, setting the stage for what many expect to be a competitive campaign. Head Coach Chris Beard, now in his third year with the Rebels, is optimistic about the depth of his roster. With four returning players and a dozen transfers, Beard believes having 13 or 14 guys ready to contribute could be a key advantage. Among the new faces is guard AJ Storr, who brings a wealth of experience from previously playing at St. John's, Wisconsin, and Kansas. Storr was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023 during his time with the Badgers and is eager to prove himself in the SEC, which he regards as the strongest conference in college basketball. Returning forward Malik Dia, standing 6-foot-9, saw his scoring average dip last season to 10.8 points per game, down by six points. Despite that, he was selected to the SEC preseason third team. Dia embraces the challenge that comes with competing in such a tough league, focusing on contributing to team success and using the recognition as motivation to elevate his game. On the other side, Southeastern Louisiana enters the matchup after an 18-14 season record and a 12-8 finish in the Southland Conference. Coach David Kiefer, now in his seventh year, speaks highly of the team's athleticism, depth, and talent. He feels the players have embraced the program’s culture, which bodes well for their performance going forward. The Lions bring back five returning players, including the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, 6-foot-7 forward Jeremy Elyzee. Elyzee averaged 10.4 points, 5 rebounds, and led the team with 21 blocked shots, proving to be a defensive force. Kiefer also pointed out the leadership roles taken up by Elyzee and junior guard Jaiden Lawrence, with important contributions expected from newcomers Ethan Pickett and Isaiah Gaines. Pickett, a senior guard, has Division I experience playing two seasons at UIC, while Gaines has split his time between Florida Atlantic and Radford. Both transfers add depth and versatility to the Southeastern Louisiana roster. With two teams bringing mix of returning talent and new faces, excitement builds around how Ole Miss will leverage its depth and how the Lions will try to piece together their athleticism and new additions. This opening game is a telling first step in a season full of potential for both programs.