Ole Miss’ Ilias Kamardine has been granted an additional year of eligibility
OXFORD, Miss. – Big news emerged this morning for Ole Miss Men’s Basketball, as the NCAA has approved a waiver granting Ole Miss guard Ilias Kamardine an additional year of eligibility.
NEWS: The NCAA has approved a waiver granting Ole Miss guard Ilias Kamardine an additional year of eligibility, a source tells DraftExpress.
The 22-year-old Frenchman—averaging 11.3 PPG and 3.9 APG—was initially cleared for just one season. Now, has the option for a second. pic.twitter.com/q4FXK1Hajj
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 27, 2026
The 22-year-old French guard is coming off one of his best performances of the season against LSU this week. Despite the outcome, Kamardine poured in 26 points while adding 10 assists and five rebounds — a stat line that showcased his full offensive arsenal. He is averaging 11.3 points and 3.9 assists per game this season for the Rebels.
Now the question becomes: what can an extra year mean for Kamardine — and for Ole Miss?
The foundation
At 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, Kamardine has the size, vision, and scoring instincts to be a high-level lead guard in the SEC. Another year in the American college system — particularly in the physical, fast-paced SEC — could be transformative.
A European guard having to adjust to the physicality of playing in the NCAA, a tough conference like the SEC, and even to shot-clock changes is a big adjustment Kamardine has to make. That doesn’t even include the everyday obstacles, such as travel and lifestyle changes.
Those are very steep challenges to face, so a way to look at it is that the first year has been about surviving and adapting to a new style of basketball. This second year could be built on confidence and commanding.
For Ole Miss and head coach Chris Beard, one more year with Kamaridne gives them a veteran guard on the floor with an adjusted game, while keeping that European experience. He now understands the league, the system, and the expectations. With key pieces surrounding him, Kamardine has shown he could become an offensive machine.
Past experience
Before coming to Oxford, Mississippi, Kamardine built a nice resume overseas.
At the age of 16, he developed with the JDA Dijon youth system. Then, in the 2021-22 season, his third year, he performed well in the U21 league, where he began to make a name for himself with scouts. He averaged 18.6 points per game along with 4.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. At such a young age, Kamardine was showing people what he could do on the basketball court, and that would only continue.
A part of the U20 France roster in 2023, he competed in the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, a high-level international tournament for men’s teams under 20. Kamardine would find himself not only a FIBA U20 EuroBasket champion but also the MVP—an amazing milestone for the 19-year-old.
After two more seasons playing professionally in France, he left for the United States and joined Ole Miss for the 2025–26 season.
A Season with the Rebels
It would be wrong to say this year went smoothly for the Rebels. The team has struggled tremendously and is currently on a 10-game losing streak with a record of 11-17 overall, 3-12 in the SEC so far this season. Kamardine is averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, serving as one of the primary creators for the Rebels.
Some observers have labeled his season as inconsistent. I think you have to look at the bigger picture. This is his first year under not only the NCAA basketball rules, but also American-style basketball. He has been learning new offensive systems and adjusting to defensive pressures. When looking at international guards, the first year is about getting your bearings. The next step is asserting yourself in that position.
What Does Another Year Mean?
An additional season allows Kamardine to:
- Improve his efficiency in Beard’s system.
- With roster changes bound to happen due to seniors leaving and the transfer portal, Kamardine could become a centerpiece of next year’s offense and take full control.
- It would give the guard a chance to increase his draft stock if he performs well. Due to the high level of competition in the SEC, a great season could put him on the NBA Scouts’ radar.
For Ole Miss, retaining a 6’5” playmaking guard with international championship experience is significant. Veteran guard play wins games in March. If Kamardine takes the leap many expect, he could become exactly what the Rebels need: a steady floor general who can score at all three levels.
The flashes are already there.
Now, with another year in Oxford, the foundation has a chance to turn into something special.
Parks Burcham
Parks Burcham is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi. He is majoring in Journalism, emphasis in Sports Media, with a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Booneville, Mississippi and graduated high school from Jumpertown Attendance Center.His favorite sports are basketball and football. He chose this path because he has always been extremely interested in the sports world. Parks enjoys all aspects of the game and hopes to do great work in this field.
