Madlock's Experience to Lead Rebels Down the Stretch

By Brian Scott RippeeTony Madlock has over 20 years of coaching experience at the Division I level. Madlock was in his fourth year as an assistant coach for former head coach Andy Kennedy's staff before assuming the role of acting head coach on Sunday night. Before that, Madlock spent four seasons at Auburn, getting his first taste of SEC basketball. Prior to his time on the Plaines, he was at UTEP where he coached the likes of Stefon Jackson, Randy Culpepper, who won the Conference USA player of the year in 2010, and Anett Moultrie. Ole Miss went to the NCAA Tournament in Madlock's first season as an assistant in 2014, headlined by All-SEC player Stefan Moody. Madlock is a Memphis native and was a three-year starter for the Memphis Tigers. He still ranks top 20 for the most games played in program history at 128 and averaged double figures his final two seasons. Following his college career, he played one year professionally in South America. He and the Rebels will try to finish the season strong after a tough week. "It has been tough on the guys," Madlock said. "But it is something we will deal with, and we will keep moving forward." Madlock will try to follow in Kennedy's footsteps and steer the program through the final five guaranteed games remaining in the season. "AK is a legend here," Madlock said. "He is the all-time winningest coach." Madlock senses the team is still motivated despite the adversity they've faced. "We are going to ride with this staff and push forward. It will get better," senior Marcanvis Hymon said. Madlock's message will be a simple one: to play hard for one another and finish the season in the best manner possible. "These guys love each other and work hard for each other," Madlock said. "They have a great relationship on and off the court. It's just a matter of it all snowballing sometimes when it goes in the wrong direction, and that is what happened. We will keep working hard and keep moving forward." The team had a workout on Sunday and had a spirited shootaround Monday night in Columbia. The Rebels prepare for a road test at Missouri, with Madlock's two decades of coaching experience at the helm. "We had a short workout to get the blood flowing and to try to get away from everything we'd been hearing," Madlock said. "We are going to play hard for each other. That's all we can do."

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Marcanvis Hymon

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