Ole Miss Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Rebels
Projected Starters
Guard – Brandon Murray* (Junior)
Murray, who is more of a “positionless” guard, will bring a lot of individual talent to the table if able to work at the guard spot(s). Last year, the LSU/Georgetown transfer averaged 13.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG and 3.2 APG for the Hoyas while logging an average of 34.6 MPG. Murray has a dynamic blend of athleticism, on-court awareness, talent and ultra-aggressiveness on the defensive side of the floor that should only heighten under Chris Beard’s defensive-minded system. If able to receive a waiver heading into 2023-24, Brandon Murray will play an integral role right away for the Rebels.
Guard – Matthew Murrell (Senior)
After withdrawing from the 2023 NBA Draft, last year’s leading scorer Matthew Murrell returns with heightened expectations for his senior season in Oxford. Although Murell’s shooting percentages were down compared to his sophomore season, he still averaged 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 2.6 APG while sporting over 34 MPG. If Murrell can look to find consistency — specifically on the offensive end of the floor, Murrell can certainly find himself earning All-SEC honors in March.
Small Forward – Allen Flanigan (Senior)
After Allen Flanigan’s father — Wes Flanigan — left Auburn to be an assistant under Beard, Flanigan followed suit to exercise his extra year of eligibility. The Little Rock, Arkansas native played a crucial role for the Tigers last year — averaging 10.7 PPG and 5.0 RPG for the 21-win Tigers. His 6’6 frame gives Beard a bit more size to work with while still having a strong scoring option on the offensive end. Flanigan’s versatility — such as his ability to score and drive in the paint and off of catch-and-shoot from three — makes him a spectacular fit at the three spot for the Ole Miss Rebels.
Power Forward – Jaemyn Brakefield (Senior)
Brakefield had a tremendous season last year, tallying 11.1 PPG and 5.7 RPG while shooting an efficient 53.7% from the field. Brakefield’s ability to stretch the floor and be a solid spot-up shooter option is critical for a team that has questions regarding how they are going to efficiently and consistently score. Brakefield is active on the glass and brings physicality to the table at the four spot.
Center – Jamarion Sharp (Senior)
The 7’5 (yes, he was college basketball’s tallest player last year) Western Kentucky transfer is arguably the nation’s best interior defender. The 2022 and 2023 Conference USA Defensive Player led the nation in shots blocked last season (4.1) and had a staggering total of 131 blocks in the 2022-23 season. Offensively, Sharp scores efficiently at the rim and will be the anchor down low for the Rebels come November.