SEC Basketball: In-depth conference preview

By Stuart Gill | Nov 3, 2016

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari shouts during the second half of the championship game against Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 5, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack guard Tyron Criswell (2) is fouled by New Mexico Lobos guard Cullen Neal (1) during the second half of their NCAA basketball game at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. New Mexico won 71-66 /

10. Ole Miss Rebels

2015-16 record: 20-12 overall, 10-8 in SEC

Head coach: Andy Kennedy

Notable departures: Stefan Moody, Tomasz Gielo, Anthony Perez, Sam Finley, Martavious Newby

Notable returnees: Sebastian Saiz, Rasheed Brooks, Marcanvis Hymon

Notable newcomers: Three-star C Nate Morris, three-star PG Breein Tyree, non-ranked C Karlis Silins, JUCO SF Justas Furmanavicius, JUCO G Lane Below, Miami transfer G Deandre Burnett, New Mexico transfer G Cullen Neal

The Rebels will endure significant turnover as they attempt to build upon a 2015-2016 campaign in which they finished 6th in the SEC with a 10-8 conference record.

Three of their top five scorers are no longer with the team, leaving head coach Andy Kennedy in a difficult position.

He will rely on two veteran transfers in Deandre Burnett and Cullen Neal in the backcourt. Both players have competed in big time games throughout their careers, so they could force this prediction to look foolish if they blend together successfully.

Sebastian Saiz will have to anchor the front court with Tomasz Gielo and Anthony Perez departing, but they will also have to rely on three-star center Nate Morris. Ole Miss could creep up the standings, however, we will slot them in at 10th as of now.

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