Rebels could be without two starters in the NIT
OXFORD, Miss. — The Rebels open play in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Friday but could be without two of their star players.
Head coach Kermit Davis said Wednesday afternoon that point guard Devontae Shuler, an All-SEC first team honoree, might not be with the team because he is with his family after his mother had surgery. Coach Davis also said junior forward KJ Buffen has opted out of the NIT.
Coach Kermit: "KJ Buffen has opted out of the NIT. Those guys we had practice yesterday, they were really excited and looking forward to going."
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 17, 2021
Shuler was the Rebels leader in both scoring and assists, averaging 15.3 points and 3.3 assists per game, while Buffen averaged 8.4 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Ole Miss will already be without seniors Dimencio Vaughn and Khadim Sy who left the team in February, as well as redshirt freshman Shon Robinson who has entered the transfer portal.
When asked about who would help fill in the roster vacancies, Coach Davis indicated forwards Sammy Hunter and Robert Allen will be asked to step up. And if Shuler isn’t able to return for the tourney, Ole Miss will likely look to Matthew Murrell and Austin Crowley.
Coach Davis discussed the strength of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs:
Kermit on Louisiana Tech: "Good guards. They're one of the very best defensive teams in college basketball. They've got great depth. Louisiana Tech has a really good program and we'll have to play at a high level to win."
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 17, 2021
Wednesday Press Conf
Game info
The Rebs begin play in the NIT on Friday at 8 p.m. (CT) against Louisiana Tech. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
(Feature image credit: Petre Thomas, Ole Miss)
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
