Ole Miss women's basketball head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin is heading into her seventh year with the program. She has guided the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, losing in the second round to Notre Dame last season. The feeling is that the team has been knocking on the door of success for the previous few seasons, unable to break through. Is this the season the team reaches new heights? At Wednesday's SEC Media Days, Coach Yo is excited about the 2024-25 season.
Having a competitive schedule will help the Ole Miss team
The women's basketball team has always looked to play a robust schedule under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. However, this season's nonconference games look extra competitive. Coach Yo listed the teams they would play this season, including No.3 ranked Southern California in Paris to open the season, No. 9 NC State on the road, and Boston College. A win against the Eagles could result in a final against No. 2 ranked UConn if they beat Oregon State. This is before the SEC conference play, or as McPee-McCuin calls it, the "Baby WNBA."
Coach Yo said they have beefed up the nonconference schedule because the SEC's additions of Texas and Oklahoma will make it much more challenging this season. She wants her players to prepare for the competitiveness of the season as they enter SEC play.
KK Deans is the heartbeat of the team
Talking about guard KK Dean's devastating injury last season, Coach Yo described her as the team's heartbeat. Her strength inspired her through her recovery process, and she spoke about being an essential part of the sidelines, coaching, and being there for the team.
She also said that bringing in transfer Tameiya Sadler was a precaution to the injury and to add mature experience to the position. Sadler was selectively pinpointed as somebody who adds value to this team for the upcoming season.
Coach Yo knows how much the Mississippi rivalry means
Speaking about Ole Miss's rivalry with Mississippi State, McPhee-McCuin said she learned quickly that the team would hold it down for Oxford, Mississippi, the flagship. She said she loves rivalries and got on board as soon as she arrived, but despite wanting to win, she respects the Bulldogs and head coach Sam Purcell.