The NBA Draft withdrawal deadline will pass tonight after midnight, and top college players will have a decision to make. Ole Miss has a couple of players on that list, and one looks like he has decided where he will be next season.
It's been reported that former Belmont forward Malik Dia will withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and play the 2024-25 college basketball season at Ole Miss. Dia committed to Chris Beard's team in April but wanted to test the waters in the NBA Draft.
Jon Rothstein of CBS and the College Hoops Today podcast revealed that a source has confirmed that Malik Dia will be playing for Ole Miss next season after withdrawing from the NBA Draft.
Source: Malik Dia plans to withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and will play for Ole Miss next season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 29, 2024
Transfer from Belmont.
Dia averaged 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during the 2023-24 season with the Bruins. The Nashville, Tennessee native would have two years of eligibility remaining. A good season in the SEC with Ole Miss could boost his draft stock for next year.
What decision can we expect from Matthew Murrell?
We can never say what a player will decide without any noise. However, this is an absolute 50/50 decision for Matthew Murrell.
With a strong showing during the NBA Draft process, Murrell could take his chance. However, on the flip side, he could use the momentum from the process to head into another year with Ole Miss.
With the additions Chris Beard has made to the roster from the portal, the Rebels have the potential to be good next season. It could be the right move if Murrell heads back with another high-end season performance.
Selfishly, Rebel fans want Matthew Murrell back for the 2024-25 season. It would complete the team. If Murrell decides to enter the 2024 NBA Draft, Chris Beard may look to the transfer portal again.