The University of Mississippi Athletics
Photo by: Joshua McCoy / Ole Miss Athletic
Men’s Hoops Holds First Practice of 2020-21 Season
10/16/2020 | Men's Basketball
Rebels Gear up for Season, Which Begins in Late November
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss men's basketball team began preparation for the 2020-21 season by holding its first official practice this week in The Pavilion. With schedule details still being finalized and the NCAA's rule that no games can tip off before November 25, the Rebels hit the hardwood in anticipation of starting the season in six weeks.
The 2020-21 campaign marks Ole Miss' third year under the leadership of Kermit Davis, who enters his 26th season as a head coach. By going through offseason skill instruction, Davis already likes what he sees out of his new group.
"We've coached some good players here in my first two years," said Davis. "Nothing against talent, we've got more depth, more length, and we're stronger. I think, just early on, we've got more guys we're going to be able to put into these games."
Ole Miss kicked off preseason preparation with a group of talented veterans leading the way. The Rebels have four starters back from last season's team, including seniors Devontae Shuler (11.7 ppg) and Khadim Sy (9.0 ppg). KJ Buffen (10.1 ppg) enters his junior season after leading Ole Miss in rebounding (6.1 per game) as a sophomore.
"You look at Devontae, and he's maybe the most experienced guard in the SEC. He's been a two-year starter and played a great amount as a freshman. He's been in a lot of big, big games and great minutes. Devontae, it's just really fun for me to watch him mature at all levels from academics, to leadership roles, to everything as a player," said Davis. "KJ Buffen also, he's been here, this is his third year with us. You see with KJ, this maturation (as well). Both guys need to play like All-SEC players this year, and I think that's their expectation."
After starting the first five games of the 2019-20 campaign, Luis Rodriguez (5.8 ppg) suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. However, the 6-foot-6 wingman is healthy and back on the court. Having been granted a medical hardship for last season's injury, Rodriguez maintains sophomore eligibility. Shuler is excited about his teammate's return.
"I feel like Luis can guard anyone from the one to the four," said Shuler. "He's that competitive to where he will cause trouble on anyone who has the ball in their hands."
Along with the returners, three newcomers have experience at the Division I level. Oxford native Jarkel Joiner is ready to suit up in the red and blue after sitting out last season. Transferring from CSU Bakersfield, where he earned First Team All-WAC honors, Joiner has had a year to learn Davis' system on the practice court. Now, he gets to showcase his athleticism in front of his hometown fans.
"Jarkel, he loves the gym more than anybody else I've coached. He loves being in it, loves competing in it," said Davis. "He's always dreamed about playing at Ole Miss. His two years at Bakersfield, playing for a great Ole Miss player and coach in Rod Barnes, it gave him a great jumpstart. He's chomping at the bit to put on the Ole Miss uniform and compete in The Pavilion."
Graduate transfers Dimencio Vaughn and Romello White provide valuable experience following successful careers at Rider and Arizona State, respectively. The two were both ranked in ESPN's list of best available grad transfers, making Ole Miss the only school to sign two of the top 10. Vaughn, leading the Broncs with 14.8 ppg a season ago to earn all-conference honors, adds versatility on both ends of the floor. White was a force on the glass for the Sun Devils (8.8 rebounds per game), while also converting 60.5 percent of his shot attempts (second in ASU history).
"It definitely adds a lot more competition in the frontcourt because he (Romello White) was second in the Pac-12 in rebounding, so that's something that I like – going against him every day in practice," said Buffen. "Dimencio, he's also a tough worker and rebounder, so it'll be good for us."
As the Rebels continue to prepare for the late November start, the competitive practices should help increase the length of the bench. With COVID-19 still looming, depth is a virtue that could be relied on heavily this season.
"We have a more athletic, more physical-looking SEC roster to where we have 10-12 guys we can put in an SEC game," Davis said.
For the latest news and updates regarding Ole Miss Men's Basketball, follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissMBB, on Facebook at Ole Miss Men's Basketball, on Instagram at olemissmbb and check out OleMissSports.com.
The 2020-21 campaign marks Ole Miss' third year under the leadership of Kermit Davis, who enters his 26th season as a head coach. By going through offseason skill instruction, Davis already likes what he sees out of his new group.
"We've coached some good players here in my first two years," said Davis. "Nothing against talent, we've got more depth, more length, and we're stronger. I think, just early on, we've got more guys we're going to be able to put into these games."
Ole Miss kicked off preseason preparation with a group of talented veterans leading the way. The Rebels have four starters back from last season's team, including seniors Devontae Shuler (11.7 ppg) and Khadim Sy (9.0 ppg). KJ Buffen (10.1 ppg) enters his junior season after leading Ole Miss in rebounding (6.1 per game) as a sophomore.
"You look at Devontae, and he's maybe the most experienced guard in the SEC. He's been a two-year starter and played a great amount as a freshman. He's been in a lot of big, big games and great minutes. Devontae, it's just really fun for me to watch him mature at all levels from academics, to leadership roles, to everything as a player," said Davis. "KJ Buffen also, he's been here, this is his third year with us. You see with KJ, this maturation (as well). Both guys need to play like All-SEC players this year, and I think that's their expectation."
After starting the first five games of the 2019-20 campaign, Luis Rodriguez (5.8 ppg) suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. However, the 6-foot-6 wingman is healthy and back on the court. Having been granted a medical hardship for last season's injury, Rodriguez maintains sophomore eligibility. Shuler is excited about his teammate's return.
"I feel like Luis can guard anyone from the one to the four," said Shuler. "He's that competitive to where he will cause trouble on anyone who has the ball in their hands."
Along with the returners, three newcomers have experience at the Division I level. Oxford native Jarkel Joiner is ready to suit up in the red and blue after sitting out last season. Transferring from CSU Bakersfield, where he earned First Team All-WAC honors, Joiner has had a year to learn Davis' system on the practice court. Now, he gets to showcase his athleticism in front of his hometown fans.
"Jarkel, he loves the gym more than anybody else I've coached. He loves being in it, loves competing in it," said Davis. "He's always dreamed about playing at Ole Miss. His two years at Bakersfield, playing for a great Ole Miss player and coach in Rod Barnes, it gave him a great jumpstart. He's chomping at the bit to put on the Ole Miss uniform and compete in The Pavilion."
Graduate transfers Dimencio Vaughn and Romello White provide valuable experience following successful careers at Rider and Arizona State, respectively. The two were both ranked in ESPN's list of best available grad transfers, making Ole Miss the only school to sign two of the top 10. Vaughn, leading the Broncs with 14.8 ppg a season ago to earn all-conference honors, adds versatility on both ends of the floor. White was a force on the glass for the Sun Devils (8.8 rebounds per game), while also converting 60.5 percent of his shot attempts (second in ASU history).
"It definitely adds a lot more competition in the frontcourt because he (Romello White) was second in the Pac-12 in rebounding, so that's something that I like – going against him every day in practice," said Buffen. "Dimencio, he's also a tough worker and rebounder, so it'll be good for us."
As the Rebels continue to prepare for the late November start, the competitive practices should help increase the length of the bench. With COVID-19 still looming, depth is a virtue that could be relied on heavily this season.
"We have a more athletic, more physical-looking SEC roster to where we have 10-12 guys we can put in an SEC game," Davis said.
For the latest news and updates regarding Ole Miss Men's Basketball, follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissMBB, on Facebook at Ole Miss Men's Basketball, on Instagram at olemissmbb and check out OleMissSports.com.
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