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Ole Miss Basketball: Ranking Rebels’ 2019-20 non-conference opponents

By Donovan Darlington

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels reacts after a play in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels reacts after a play in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

6. Penn State (Nov. 27, NIT Tip-off)

2018-19 Record: 14-18

Conference: Big Ten

The Nittany Lions were in the bottom half of the Big Ten last season, but things will be different for them this year. Lamar Stevens, the fantastic forward who averaged almost 20 ppg is back. Penn State has the weapons to set them up as a potential NCAA Tournament team. Stevens will give the Rebels plenty of trouble, especially since much of the Ole Miss frontcourt is young talent. I expect the test from the Nittany Lions to provide the Rebels an opportunity to grow, whether the outcome is a win or a loss.

5. Wichita State (Jan. 4)

2018-19 Record: 22-15

Conference: American

After finishing 6th in the American last season, and losing their leading scorer in Markis McDuffie, plenty of questions surround the Shockers. They are simply not the threat that they were a few years back, but that is not to say they cannot get back to that level. Their young talent is maturing, and for that, they may be a solid competitor in their conference. I still feel like experience will be an issue. Ole Miss will pull out the win.

4. Butler (Dec. 3)

2018-19 Record: 16-17

Conference: Big East

Butler is perhaps the most intriguing non-conference opponent the Rebels face. The Bulldogs finished 16-17 and at the bottom of the Big East a season ago. They do return much of their top talent in Kamar Baldwin and are bringing in a few newcomers that will certainly have an immediate impact. Both Bryce Nze and Derrik Smits are highly talented transfers that will improve this Butler team. I expect to see a great game between Ole Miss and Butler, as there is a lot of experience on both sides of the floor.

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