Kermit Davis gives update on Daeshun Ruffin, looks ahead to Rebels’ season-opener
OXFORD, Miss. – Head coach Kermit Davis spoke to the media Friday for the last time before the Rebels’ season-opener against Alcorn State upcoming on Monday. Coach Davis provided some news on guard Daeshun Ruffin that the Rebel faithful will not enjoy.
“He had a setback Tuesday,” Davis said.
“MRI was negative, but he has a bone bruise. He will be out for Monday. We will evaluate him week-to-week. Everything structurally – the ACL and all the ligaments – are good.”
Coach Kermit Davis on Daeshun Ruffin
Davis said that Ruffin’s injury occurred in the first half when he landed awkwardly into a defender after going up for a layup. The guard did start the second half of the exhibition on Tuesday, but the team did not know anything of the injury until the next day.
“I feel bad for Daeshun,” Davis said. “He worked like heck to get back. He was so excited about starting that game [on Monday].”
The Rebels have not had Ruffin in the rotation since his injury in February, including playing most of the preseason without him. Davis has confidence in a few guys who can get the job done in Ruffin’s absence.
“Amaree Abram can play the point. Matt [Murrell] can play the point, [and] TJ Caldwell can play the point. All three of those guys got a lot of reps in the summer. It is a lot now on some young guards.”
Coach Davis on who can play point guard
Meanwhile, the Rebels must look ahead to Alcorn State, and Davis understands the challenge at hand without his star guard.
“Alcorn [State] is the defending SWAC champion,” Davis said. “They’ve got a lot of really good players back on that team. They guard well. They run a good offense.”
Davis knows that his squad will have to play good basketball to come out of the season-opener with a win.
“We are going to have to play really, really well,” Davis said. “We understand that Alcorn State is going to come in here with this as the biggest game on their schedule all year long. We are going to have to have two or three days of really good preparation.”
Alcorn State rolls into the SJB Pavilion following the women’s game Monday night. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. on SEC Network+.
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!
