The University of Mississippi Athletics
Daeshun Ruffin Named McDonald’s All-American
2/23/2021 | Men's Basketball
Ole Miss Signee Earns Prestigious Accolade
OXFORD, Miss. – For the first time in the history of Ole Miss Men's Basketball, a Rebel signee has been named a McDonald's All-American. Daeshun Ruffin, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Mississippi, was one of a select 24 tabbed with the distinguished accolade Tuesday.
"This is one of the most prestigious honors a high school player can receive," said Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis. "At Callaway High School, Daeshun has put together one of the very best careers in the history of Mississippi high school basketball. Congratulations to Daeshun and his wonderful family as well as Coach Sanders and Callaway High School."
As the Rebels' highest ranked recruit in program history, coming in at No. 36 according to ESPN, Ruffin's McDonald's All-American status adds to his plethora of honors. He is a consensus 4-star prospect with an electrifying game, averaging 33.1 ppg as a senior this season. Two weeks ago (Feb. 12), he scored 30 points against Vicksburg to lead Callaway to a MHSAA Region 4-5A title.
The Jackson, Mississippi, native is no stranger to playing in Oxford, scoring 33 points on The Pavilion hardwood during the 2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) 5A state final. That outstanding performance allowed Callaway High School to capture the state championship, and Ruffin was tabbed a first team all-state honoree. Averaging 26.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg throughout the season, including scoring at least 30 points in 11 games, he was tabbed the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year.
Ruffin was also named the 2020 Hardwood Hero Player of the Year. The Clarion Ledger chose him as the best player in the state while listing him as part of the newspaper's annual "Dandy Dozen." Leading Callaway to three district titles and a trio of state appearances, Ruffin has collected all-state accolades each year of high school. As a sophomore, he averaged 25.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.1 spg. Making an immediate impact his freshman year, Ruffin scored 19.8 ppg to go along with 4.0 apg and 3.7 rpg under the guidance of Ole Miss alum David Sanders.
After signing with the Rebels last November, Ruffin becomes Ole Miss' first McDonald's All-American coming out of high school. Jelan Kendrick, a 2010 McDonald's All-American, signed with Memphis before transferring to Ole Miss for the 2011-12 season.
The top 24 girls and 24 boys in the country were named McDonald's All-Americans by a committee of basketball experts from more than 700 nominated players. While the top high school talent won't face off on the court this year due to COVID-19, a virtual celebration is being planned to give these incredible student-athletes the shine they deserve for their accomplishments and dedication to basketball.
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 and on Instagram at olemissmbb.
"This is one of the most prestigious honors a high school player can receive," said Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis. "At Callaway High School, Daeshun has put together one of the very best careers in the history of Mississippi high school basketball. Congratulations to Daeshun and his wonderful family as well as Coach Sanders and Callaway High School."
As the Rebels' highest ranked recruit in program history, coming in at No. 36 according to ESPN, Ruffin's McDonald's All-American status adds to his plethora of honors. He is a consensus 4-star prospect with an electrifying game, averaging 33.1 ppg as a senior this season. Two weeks ago (Feb. 12), he scored 30 points against Vicksburg to lead Callaway to a MHSAA Region 4-5A title.
The Jackson, Mississippi, native is no stranger to playing in Oxford, scoring 33 points on The Pavilion hardwood during the 2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) 5A state final. That outstanding performance allowed Callaway High School to capture the state championship, and Ruffin was tabbed a first team all-state honoree. Averaging 26.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg throughout the season, including scoring at least 30 points in 11 games, he was tabbed the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year.
Ruffin was also named the 2020 Hardwood Hero Player of the Year. The Clarion Ledger chose him as the best player in the state while listing him as part of the newspaper's annual "Dandy Dozen." Leading Callaway to three district titles and a trio of state appearances, Ruffin has collected all-state accolades each year of high school. As a sophomore, he averaged 25.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.1 spg. Making an immediate impact his freshman year, Ruffin scored 19.8 ppg to go along with 4.0 apg and 3.7 rpg under the guidance of Ole Miss alum David Sanders.
After signing with the Rebels last November, Ruffin becomes Ole Miss' first McDonald's All-American coming out of high school. Jelan Kendrick, a 2010 McDonald's All-American, signed with Memphis before transferring to Ole Miss for the 2011-12 season.
The top 24 girls and 24 boys in the country were named McDonald's All-Americans by a committee of basketball experts from more than 700 nominated players. While the top high school talent won't face off on the court this year due to COVID-19, a virtual celebration is being planned to give these incredible student-athletes the shine they deserve for their accomplishments and dedication to basketball.
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 and on Instagram at olemissmbb.
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