Ole Miss is set to lose a considerable amount of their roster that went on a run to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen. Sean Pedulla, Matthew Murrell, Jaemyn Brakefield, and others have burnt their eligibility.
One player who transferred in before this past season was Malik Dia. The former Vanderbilt and Belmont player had one year of eligibility remaining and had a decision to make on his next step. Yesterday, Dia announced he would be staying with Ole Miss for one more season, great news for head coach Chris Beard.
Dia started all 36 games and averaged 10.8 PTS and 5.7 REB. Heading into his senior year, Dia took to social media to announce the good news to Rebel Nation.
"We have unfinished business. This team, this program, and Rebel Nation deserve a shot at a national championship, and I believe we have what it takes to make that dream a reality."Malik Dia
Dia may need to help convince players to transfer to Ole Miss, with the forward the only starter returning for the 2025-26 season. Beard has added LSU transfer Corey Chest, a player who, like Dia, offered a good rebound presence.
They have missed two or three targets from the portal, including Ja'Borri McGhe and Jacari White. However, it's not a worry for Ole Miss fans as Beard did not start to get hot in the portal until mid-April 2024.
Beard and his staff have more work to do than last season, with a few players, such as freshman John Bol, entering their names into the portal. With Dia and Chest, he has a solid presence around the board. Now, he must look to add some scorers, and plenty are out there. Pop Isaacs is one name that fits the bill; the former Creighton player had a visit last week and nearly committed the season prior.
It is set to be an interesting few weeks for the Ole Miss Rebels basketball team.