2011 - 2012 Ole Miss Rebels Basketball Preview

SEC Sports Fan is predicting that the Ole Miss Rebels will end up 8th in the SEC in 2012. You can read more about that at our 2011 - 2012 Southeastern Conference Basketball Predictions and Preview.

This is the point in the SEC where it becomes difficult to predict. None of the teams in the middle of the pack really have a strong chance to compete against the top of the league, but they may prove to be tough wins all the same. Out of this middle bunch, I think Ole Miss has the best chance to come out of it relatively unscathed. That said, they play in the scrappy, if not very good, SEC West. These teams such as Alabama and Arkansas almost always play tough games against teams that are supposed to blow them out.

The way I see it, the West is wise open, and four teams could potentially finish on top of the standings at the end of the year. Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Alabama all have key players coming back that could be the difference for their programs. I like the Rebel Black Bears to finish 2nd in the West due to their returning back court; they should even challenge for the top spot as long as they play to their talent level.

I give Ole Miss the nod here at number 6 because of their returning back court. Unlike most teams, they return three players here, meaning that they have experience and a bit of depth that they can rely on throughout the season. I expect them to really look to build toward last season's success, where they got to the Final Four in the NIT and just barely missed the cut for the NCAA Tournament. With the expanded tournament that goes into effect this year, the Rebel Black Bears have a better chance at making the tournament as one of the last four teams in, instead of one of the last four that are left out.

Andy Kennedy's recruiting jobs over the past couple of years may really pay off for this relatively young team as well. Young players such as Demarco Cox look to be ready to step up for this team, and if they can come together like I expect them to, they should challenge for the SEC West title. Kennedy always seems to have this team right in the middle of things come February, which is right where I expect them to be again. Only this time, I think they get just a couple more wins and snatch a spot in the NCAA Tournament this time.

If you haven't read it yet, check out our Andy Kennedy Biography. You can read more about last year's Ole Miss basketball team at 2008-2009 Ole Miss Basketball Team page. Other Ole Miss Basketball pages include: Ole Miss Basketball History and University of Mississippi - Oxford - Trip.

Learn all about Why Colonel Reb is the Ole Miss Mascot and Why Ole Miss Rebels picked Yale Blue and Harvard Red as its color?

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