Look Out for the Rebs!

I think everyone who is picking Ole Miss to come in dead last in the SEC might want to do some re-thinking. Last year the Rebs were picked last in the SEC only to become SEC West Co-Champions with Mississippi State. Granted, the team lost their three team leaders in our senior guards Todd Abernathy, Bam Doyne, and Clarence Sanders, but Andy Kennedy had a very solid top 25 ranked (top ten on hoops scoop) recruiting class and have a lot of young talent, especially at the guard positions.

After the exhibition game against Delta State, the rebs showed that they have not lost much in terms of shooting ability (even though the 3 senior guards lost were 3 of the top 4 scorers on the team) by scoring 68 points in the first half. The scorers were led by sophomore David Huertas (Fla. transfer) and Freshmen guards Chris Warren, Trevor Gaskins, and Zach Graham. The defensive end is where the rebels might struggle the most as young players usually take some time to get adjusted to the level of play that is needed to be successful in the SEC on the defensive side of the ball. There also seems to be an increase in the overall athleticism of the team this year.

The rebs also return a solid frontcourt led by seniors DeWayne Curtis, Kenny Williams, and Jeremy Parnell, all of which will contribute heavily and probably average around 30 pts per game between them. Also don't be surprised to see some action from newcomers Malcolm White (freshman) and Terrence Watson (Juco transfer) at the forward positions. White is the highest ranked recruit from this past years recruiting class and Watson started for the Junior College National Champions last year.

All in all, the rebels should not be overlooked this season and I wouldn't be surprised to see them get back to the NIT with an outside chance at the NCAA tourney. Also don't be surprised to see the rebels beat some teams that they probably shouldn't this year as well!