Chris Beard talks about the Rebels’ next-game mentality: ‘It’s all about today and executing our process’
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard spoke with media Thursday afternoon and talked about the ‘next-game’ mentality the team is embracing as they head into Saturday’s game against Missouri, looking to end a three-game losing streak.
“We’ve had a tough stretch, that’s life in BCS basketball. I think we’ve lost five games, four of those five were to ranked teams and three of those four games against ranked teams were on the road… so we obviously need to play better on the road.“
Coach Beard
Beard was also asked about the recent production from guard Jaylen “JuJu” Murray, who has shot 43.3% from the field and averaged 14 points per game this season. In his last three games, however, Murray has scored a combined 20 points while shooting less than 30% from the field.
“I think with JuJu, it starts on the defensive end. On the games that Juju has played when he has a defensive focus, his offense feeds off of that. Also just his leadership in general… As a point guard in the SEC, the most important stat is winning. I have a lot of confidence in JuJu, he’s had a good season.”
Coach Beard on JuJu Murray
Despite losing their last three, Beard says the team has done a nice job maintaining a next-game mentality, after both wins and losses.
“This isn’t coaching speak… I wouldn’t even know if we were on a three-game skid. It really is a next-day approach around here, you control what you can control. I don’t spend a lot of time talking about last game, the last three games… It’s all about today and executing our process. I feel like if we do that the outcome will be where it needs to be.”
Chris Beard
To wrap up the presser, Beard was asked about the leadership and production of Matt Murrell. The head coach had high praise for Matt and referred to him as the most disciplined player he has ever coached. Keep in mind that Beard has coached three NBA draft picks since 2018.
“I’ll say this with confidence… I’ve never coached a player that is more disciplined than Matt. Matt is a guy who takes care of his business. The next thing for a guy like Matt is can you impact others. Matt’s heart is in the right place, his leadership comes with different ways. The challenge for Matt is can he impact others, can he take some accountability on our ball security? Matt’s done a good job but these last seven games, they (the team) need to have Matt’s DNA all over them. I don’t think there is a more motivated player in college basketball than Matt.”
Coach Beard on Matt Murrell
You can watch the full press conference below:
Next Up:
Ole Miss will return home to the SJB Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday to play Missouri. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
