News Summary
The Ole Miss men’s basketball team is making significant roster changes after several key player departures following their Sweet Sixteen run. With only one starter returning, Coach Chris Beard is focusing on reshaping the team through the transfer portal. New recruits such as James Scott and Travis Perry aim to strengthen the roster as Ole Miss prepares for a competitive offseason.
OXFORD, Mississippi – Following an impressive run to the Sweet Sixteen, the Ole Miss men’s basketball team is undergoing significant roster changes as they prepare for the upcoming season. This transformation comes in light of the departure of several key players who have exhausted their eligibility, marking a critical offseason for the program.
The Rebels are set to replace multiple contributors, including Matthew Murrell, Jaemyn Brakefield, Sean Pedulla, JuJu Murry, Davon Barnes, Mikeal Brown-Jones, and Dre Davis. With only one starter returning from last season, Coach Chris Beard and his staff are actively working to reshape the roster through the transfer portal, which is a primary strategy for enhancing team talent this offseason.
Among the few returning players are star forward Malik Dia, along with guards Eduardo Klafke and Robert Cowherd. Their experience will be vital as the team integrates new talent into the mix. The incoming freshman class also adds to the excitement, featuring recruits Tylis Jordan and Patton Pinkins, who are expected to make an impact.
As this roster overhaul continues, Ole Miss has 10 open roster spots to fill, emphasizing the urgency for the coaching staff to seek out skilled players that can help elevate the team’s performance. Notably, on May 7, 2025, the Rebels secured the commitment of James Scott, a 6’11 forward who previously played at Louisville. While at Louisville, Scott averaged 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He made a significant mark by starting 31 out of 35 games and holding an impressive 78.1% two-point field goal percentage, which ranked second in the NCAA.
Additionally, Ole Miss welcomed former Kentucky guard Travis Perry into the fold. Perry, who committed to the Rebels on May 4, 2025, had a challenging stint at Kentucky, averaging 2.7 points across 31 games. However, he holds the distinction of scoring a state-record 5,481 points during his high school career, showcasing his potential in the right environment. His best game at Kentucky saw him tally a career-high of 12 points against Alabama.
Other notable recruits include:
- Ilias Kamardine – a guard from France
- Augusto Cassiá – a power forward from Butler
- AJ Storr – a small forward from Kansas
- Corey Chest – a power forward from LSU
- Koren Johnson – a point guard from Louisville
As the offseason unfolds, updates about Ole Miss’ transfer portal targets will be shared regularly, keeping the fanbase informed and engaged. The coaching staff is expected to target both high major players and stars from mid-major programs to round out the roster. This strategic approach is aimed at building a competitive team that aims not only to replicate last season’s success but to rise even higher in the competitive college basketball landscape.
With significant movements in player recruitment and a rigorous focus on tapping into the transfer portal, Ole Miss men’s basketball is on track for a busy offseason, setting the stage for a promising future.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
- The Rebel Walk: 2025 Ole Miss Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
- Clarion Ledger: Travis Perry Joins Ole Miss
- Fox Sports: 2025 College Basketball Transfer Tracker
- Wikipedia: College Basketball
