Ole Miss basketball and Andy Kennedy have started off strong this season and found their second win Monday night against Eastern Kentucky.
Ole Miss basketball was successful on multiple levels Monday night as they faced the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. First and foremost the Rebels got the 85-75 win. Second, they showed the depth of their bench which scored 42 points. Lastly, Ole Miss topped the .500 all-time mark for the first time since 1959.
We all know coach Andy Kennedy is a great coach and has had some very talented teams while at Ole Miss. Could this be the best team AK has had during his tenure? I really believe it could be. Of course, we can’t really be sure until we see the Rebels against stronger opposition. However, this team is off to a good start so far.
By The Numbers
Ole Miss Rebels Basketball
Devontae Shuler made his first career start and had 12 points with 1 rebound and 1 assist. Markel Crawford accounted for 10 points with 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 blocked shot and 2 steals on the night.
Marcanvis Hymon continued to impress with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocked shots. Terrance Davis had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
Breein Tyree had 7 points with 1 rebound, 5 assists and a steal while center Dominik Olejniczak contributed 6 points with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and also had a steal.
Bruce Stevens added 5 points with 4 rebounds and Justas Furmanavicius added 4 points with 2 rebounds and a steal.
Senior Leader
Senior Deandre Burnett who came off the bench led all Rebel scoring with 17 points and a rebound. Burnett is the one who Andy Kennedy believes should and will step up and be the leader of the team. According to OleMissSports.com,
"“As the oldest guy on the floor, he has got to be open and loud, he has got to take ownership of the locker room.” ~Coach Andy Kennedy"
Coming off the bench is no issue for Burnett as he relishes his role off the bench. Of course, Burnett seems to be stepping up as the senior leader of this Ole Miss basket ball team. Once again, according to OleMissSports.com,
"“Everyone is just settling in and getting used to each other, Once these guys settle in, we will play even more together as a team. We have a very unselfish group.” ~Deandre Burnett"
We are anxious to see these Rebels get better as they continue to mesh together as a team. There is no doubt this is an incredibly talented team and could be the best AK has had since being head coach for Ole Miss basketball.
Up Next For Ole Miss
The 2-0 Ole Miss basketball team will face another tough test as part of the MGM Grand Main Event. Friday night the Rebels take on Georgia State. Tip-off from The Pavilion in Oxford is set for 6pm CT and will be televised on SECN+. Hotty Toddy