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Ole Miss Basketball: Remembering Justin Reed As He Fights On

By K. L. Williams

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 24: Band members for the Mississippi Rebels support their school against the La Salle Explorers during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 24, 2013 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 24: Band members for the Mississippi Rebels support their school against the La Salle Explorers during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 24, 2013 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Former Ole Miss basketball star Justin Reed reportedly has been diagnosis spinal cancer. Let’s remember just how good he was as a Rebel.

Land Shark Nation has reported that Justin Reed has spinal cancer. Reed is a former Ole Miss basketball player that brought enormous joy to fans at Tad Smith Coliseum. Now he is needing those same fans to pray for him.

It is unfortunate for anyone to go through this situation. However, it seems more tragic when it happens to someone so young. Reed is only 35 years old. According to reports, he has been through one surgery and may have another. That will be followed by chemotherapy. Anyone who has watched someone go through this knows that this will be a tough journey.

It is sad that it takes tragedy to be reminded of someone’s talent. We become prisoner’s of the moment and forget those who played before. Therefore, we want to take a few moments just to remind you of how good Justin Reed was.

What a Career!

Ole Miss Rebels Basketball
Ole Miss Rebels Basketball /

Ole Miss Rebels Basketball

Reed was the crown jewel of the Provine Posse out of Jackson. They were a group of players from Provine High School who signed with Coach Rod Barnes and the Ole Miss Rebels.

He immediately became a key contributor on the team. He averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds during his freshman season. However, his averages increased during SEC play while leading the team in scoring.

Although the season was great, the crème de la crème was Reed leading the Rebels to their first Sweet 16. It was an enjoyable time watching the Rebels defeat Iona and Notre Dame in Kansas City before we lost to Arizona. Reed was key to getting us there.

His career numbers are impressive. He is one of the all-time great Rebels. Reed was All-SEC all four years of his career. He is a member of the Rebel’s 1000 point club. He is sixth all-time in scoring. Plus, he is 10th all-time in rebounding. However, he was not just an offensive star. He is 10th all-time in block shots, as well.

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He was the 40th pick of the draft in 2004 by the Boston Celtics. Two years later he was eventually traded in Minnesota. His NBA career did not last as long as he wanted. However, he is always revered as a Ole Miss great. Justin Reed is a natural-born winner. We pray he will win this new battle as well.

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