Ole Miss Rebels – #6 SEC college basketball power rankings

Ole Miss

Coach: Andy Kennedy (6 seasons at Ole Miss 125-78) Overall 146-91, 7 years

2011-12: Record 20-14 overall, 8-8 in SEC ( Tie 6th)

Starters Returning (4) Nick Williams, Reginald Buckner, Murphy Holloway, Jarvis Summers

Preseason Tournament: Diamond Head Classic

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Rutgers

Transfer Out: Dundrecous Nelson (Jackson State), Jamal Jones (Indian Hills CC), Maurice Aniefiok (Collin County CC), Jelan Kendrick

Andy Kennedy has been knocking on the door in his six seasons at Ole Miss but he is yet to get the Rebels to the big dance. The Rebels have had 20 plus wins in 5 of seasons at have 5 NIT appearances. The good news for this season Ole Miss returns 4 of their top 6 scorers from last season. The bad news the Rebels lose their top scorer and had a handful or players transferring out of the program.

The strength of this team will be in the frontcourt led by power forward Murphy Holloway(11.2 ppg). Though undersized Holloway almost averaged a double double last season. Holloway is already in the top 10 in Ole Miss history in rebounds, double doubles, steal and field goal percentage. Joining him upfront will be the excellent defender Reginald Bucker(6.9 ppg). He already has the Ole Miss record for career block shots. The top option off the bench will be Demarco Cox( 3.2 ppg). Also providing depth will be JUCO transfer Jason Carter , Aaron Jones (1.4 ppg) and freshman Terry Brutus.

Leading the way in the backcourt is point guard Jarvis Summers (10.4 ppg). He was really one of the most underrated freshman from last season. He shot well over 40 % from three. The Rebels will likely go to a three guard line the talented Nick Williams (10.1 ppg) will start for sure. Williams is very aggressive taking the ball to the rim. LaDarius White (5.4 ppg ) and JUCO transfer Marshall Henderson will battle for the other starting spot. White could excel with more playing time this season and Henderson was one of the top JUCO’s in the country. Providing depth here will be three freshman Martavious Newby, Anthony Cortesia and Derrick Millinghaus. Both Cortesia and Neby come in highly rated. Cortesia can also play some forward but he will be mainly at the 3.

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