It was the news Rebels fans were anticipating. Guard Matthew Murrell is withdrawing his name from the 2024 NBA Draft to return to Ole Miss next season. It was important news; with Murrell back on the roster, the depth and talent on the team are significantly higher.
It looked like Murrell had played his last game for Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament loss to Texas A&M on March 14. He stated that he wouldn't return to Oxford for the new season. He joins Belmont transfer Malik Dia, who also announced he was withdrawing his name from the NBA Draft and transferring to Ole Miss.
Source: Matthew Murrell is withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft and will return to Ole Miss next season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 29, 2024
Significant SEC News.
Rebels should be an NCAA Tournament team in 2025.
Murrell led the team in points scored last season, averaging 16.2 per game. He also led the team in points the season before, averaging more minutes per game than anybody on the roster. He also led the team in 3-point shooting success rate.
The decision is welcoming news for head coach Chris Beard, who will have his centerpiece back alongside some excellent transfer portal pickups. Some already fancied Ole Miss to have a better season in 2024-25. With Murrell back, does this make the Rebels a top candidate to make the NCAA Tournament?
Good move for Matthew Murrell and his future?
It could benefit Matthew Murrell even more so for the 2025 NBA Draft. After turning heads during the 2024 NBA Draft process, another season with Ole Miss, potentially one with many more accolades, could boost his stock for next year's draft.
He did not make the list of 78 players who received an invite to the NBA Combine, taking part in the G-League Combine instead. He impressed the NBA scouts. However, a further year in college, breaking his stats from last season while showcasing his skills at the NCAA Tournament, could be a good move for Matthew Murrell.