Head coach Kermit Davis looks for mix of newcomers and returnees to provide depth, make postseason run
OXFORD, Miss. – At SEC Basketball Media Days Wednesday, Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis highlighted one thing that has not only affected his team, but the entire league: change. While Davis has been a staple at the head of the Rebel program for the past four years, his team is experiencing the greatest change since he took over in 2018.
“We have six guys returning, four [incoming freshmen], and four graduate transfers that we are excited about,” Davis said.
His new cast of players look to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. He is confident the changes to his squad will help continue the winning prowess that has engulfed the Rebel athletic program recently in football and baseball.
“No question about it,” Davis said when asked about his team’s tournament expectations. “We’ve been to two postseasons in four years. There is a lot of winning going on at Ole Miss, and we look to keep the Rebels hot.”
Had a blast in Birmingham at the #SECTipOff!!!#HottyToddy | #SECTipOff pic.twitter.com/Z81Mi4Y94G
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) October 19, 2022
One change that could redirect the tournament narrative for the Rebels is depth. With the acquisition of transfers and incoming freshmen, Davis is confident in his entire squad, not just the starters.
“It’s the best depth we’ve had since I’ve been the coach at Ole Miss. We’ve got a good blend of a lot of different faces.”
Head coach Kermit Davis on this season’s team
An important aspect of Davis’s team is the return of guard Daeshun Ruffin, an SEC Freshman of the Week winner who tore his ACL last season versus LSU. He has been progressing in his rehab, and Davis is looking forward to the firepower he provides for his team.
“About four days ago, he got cleared for contact in the full court,” Davis said about Ruffin.
“It’s been about eight and a half months, and he’s worked diligently. He’s got a lot of pop back, and I think his knee has been better than it has ever been. It sure is good to have him back.”
Coach Davis on Daeshun Ruffin’s return
Regardless of what fresh faces are in Oxford, Davis understands that there needs to be improvement from his team from last season, when they finished 13-19 with a 4-14 record in the SEC. His team lacked in major statistical areas last season, and he knows his team can improve on them starting in November.
“We didn’t guard very well at all, and we didn’t protect the rim,” Davis said about last year’s squad. “Our pace has to pick up [from last season]. We just [need to be] a lot better rebounding team.”
It will be important for Davis’s team to fix these early on before SEC-play begins in late-December. Davis has confidence that his team can do just that.
“[We have a] great non-conference schedule,” Davis said. “[We are] looking forward to getting started against Alcorn State on November 7th.”
As Davis said, the Rebels basketball team begins its season on November 7th at the SJB Pavilion against Alcorn State, which starts a four-game home stand. Tipoff is at 8:00pm on SEC Network+.
(Photo credit: Ole Miss Men’s Basketball)
Trevor Terminie
Trevor is a senior at Ole Miss pursuing a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Sports Communication and Promotion. He has previous experience covering sports for another site, including a variety of Ole Miss sports. Growing up in New Orleans, La., he has the Pelicans and Saints running through his blood. He also grew up in an LSU family, but his love for Ole Miss continues to grow. Trevor hopes to cover sports back in his hometown after college. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
