It's been 5 days since transfer portal window opened, and Ole Miss basketball has just landed one commit. This season, however, all the waiting could be a good thing.
Last season proved why simply stacking up talent without real chemistry or a plan won't cut it anymore. After last season's 15-20 disaster, Beard can't just go out and buy "names" this time. He needs to find players who actually fit.
Ole Miss has a long way to go, and concerningly little time to cover it. The portal closes on April 21, which makes this weekend crucial for him to snag some players who would actually make a winnable roster.
Three fits for Chris Beard
1. Azavier Robinson (Guard, Butler)
Since Robinson has just wrapped up his visit with Ole Miss this weekend, Beard and his staff are waiting to hear the official decision.
What makes Robinson's announcement more hopeful is Roman Siulepa's commit. The two have spent significant time together, which could be the factor luring him to Ole Miss. Convincing him to pair up with Siulepa once again to become a backfield wall is what the Rebels staff has to do.
The 6'2" freshman started 15 games in the Big East but a wrist injury cut his season short. Robinson's playing experience easily makes him a Day 1 starter alongside Siulepa.
2. T.O. Barrett (Guard, Missouri)
Barrett, who accompanied Robinson in his visit to the Manning center this Friday, also perfectly fits the bill on the roster Beard is trying to make.
Locking in the 6'4" Missouri guard would be a major win for Beard as he can play multiple positions. Barrett was a highly-touted recruit for Mizzou, but couldn't find his rhythm.
What will make him fit at Ole Miss then? After a rocky stint at Mizzou, Barrett will be looking to log in Major minutes immediately. Plus, the Rebels could largely benefit with him as a dual-threat playmaker rather than just a floor spacer.
3. Johan Munch (Forward/center, Oregon State)
Standing at 6'11", Munch is the heavy machinery Beard's roster needs to address its rebounding crisis. Ole Miss finished 259th nationally in rebounds per game (30.7 RPG) and 241st in total rebounding rate. It's catastrophic.
It could be even worse this season with the team's leading rebounder, Malik Dia, gone. Locking down an offensive engine like Munch becomes crucial at this point, and an urgent need with the portal deadline nearing.
The Rebels are still waiting to hear from him after his visit earlier this week.