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Ole Miss basketball: Who should the Rebels target are their new hea coach?

By Tristan Freeman

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 6: Head coach Andy Kennedy of the Mississippi Rebels reacts to a call in the second half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 6, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky defeated Mississippi 89-86 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 6: Head coach Andy Kennedy of the Mississippi Rebels reacts to a call in the second half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 6, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky defeated Mississippi 89-86 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – MARCH 21: Head coach Ron Hunter of the Georgia State Panthers reacts against the Xavier Musketeers in the second half during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on March 21, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – MARCH 21: Head coach Ron Hunter of the Georgia State Panthers reacts against the Xavier Musketeers in the second half during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on March 21, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Ron Hunter – Georgia State Panthers

In the five seasons since arriving in the Sun Belt Conference, Georgia State has been a perennial contender at the top. It’s true they’ve only gone to the NCAA tournament once under head coach Ron Hunter, the league itself has become one of the better mid-major programs in the country.

But that one appearance in March Madness for the team proved to be a program changer, with an injured Hunter watching his own son sink the game-winning shot to upset the No. 3 seed Baylor in the first round. They lasted just that Thursday, but it created the most memorable sights and sounds of the 2014 NCAA tournament.

The name ID from that moment has allowed Hunter and the Panthers to have their greatest recruiting classes ever. And with the now consistent success of Georgia State, his name will be involved more often from this point forward.

Is this a good fit for either side?

This is very likely not the first call that Ole Miss makes in the team’s search. While his name was certainly brought up in the coaching carousel after the upset win, team’s have cooled on Hunter somewhat since. That could be because programs may not believe he can take a program to the dance without a first-round family member.

On the other hand, Hunter might not want to take the jump to Ole Miss. with a talented recruiting class coming in, as well as upgraded facilities. The Panthers could easily stay at the top of the Sun Belt for a while, and other opportunities will emerge. If he does take that call, why not keep waiting?

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