Ole Miss basketball lands Butler transfer and international talent to 2025-26 roster

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Ole Miss basketball fans have been restless on social media, waiting for transfer portal news. The Rebels have added three players so far, but it has not had the same exciting reaction as last season's additions. The roster was also completed this time last year, but it still has holes this coming season.

Head coach Chris Beard has added two players this week, making the roster look healthier. On Monday, they grabbed a commitment from Butler transfer Augusto Cassia, who appeared in 10 games and made eight starts for the Bulldogs last season. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 5.1 PTS and 3.1 REB in 15.3 MPG.

The Brazilian native suffered an injury in December 2024, missing most of the season. He also suffered an injury in his freshman season, playing just 52 minutes. Before heading to the Bulldogs, Cassia spent time at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia, and at the NBA Academy Latin America in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. We have yet to see the best of the forward, and an injury-free season could be huge for the Rebels.

The second incoming player is another international talent, this time from France. Ilias Kamardine is a 21-year-old guard who played for JDA Dijon Basket in 2025, a team that plays in the French first-tier division, the same division San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama played in.

Kamardine is a 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard who averaged 7.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 46 games while in the Frech top-tier. He is a player, and fans are sure what to expect. But Beard clearly likes what he brings to the table.

Despite the two newest additions, Beard and the program still want that splash signing that excels in scoring, such as PJ Haggerty. Malik Dia staying for one more season is like a big incoming player, but the Rebels seem a tad short if they want to go deep into the NCAA Tournament next season.

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