Ole Miss Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Rebels
Key Reserves
Guard – Jaylen Murray (Junior)
The Saint Peter’s transfer — who was a part of the Peacocks Elite Eight run in 2022 — averaged 12.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG and 2.3 APG despite only logging an average of 24.6 MPG. Despite his somewhat-limited usage compared to his statistical averages, Murray has shown he can use his quickness to play well off of screens and finish through contact. If Brandon Murray’s waiver is denied, Murray undoubtedly has potential to crack the starting five for the Rebels.
Center – Moussa Cisse* (Senior)
Last season, Cisse averaged 6.8 PPG and 8.0 RPG for an Oklahoma State team that narrowly missed the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Cisse brings a plethora of talent to Oxford — specifically on the defense side of the floor. The 2021-2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of Year is a tremendous shot blocker which gives the Rebels one the best interior defenses in the country if he receives a waiver to play this upcoming season as a two-time transfer. Cisse’s strength and physicality bodes well on the offensive boards and will be an integral piece for the Rebels if he is indeed eligible.
Guard – Austin Nunez (Sophomore)
The former four-star, top-100 recruit saw reserved minutes in his lone season in Tempe — averaging 4.5 PPG on only 16.3 MPG. Despite his limited role as a freshman, Nunez presents plenty of upside in his game as a guard who can play well on both sides of the floor. If Brandon Murray is ruled ineligible, Nunez will be battling with Jaylen Murray for a starting spot.
Guard – TJ Caldwell (Sophomore)
As a true freshman last year, Caldwell averaged 4.7 PPG while starting in 7 of 31 games. Caldwell showed some flashes of talent last season — including double-digit scoring outings against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Kentucky. Last year, 68 of Caldwell’s 153 field goal attempts came from three — a 44% clip. His role looks to be similar to what 2021-2022 Jase Febres’ role was under Chris Beard’s first season at Texas.
Guard – Robert Cowherd (RS Freshman)
Although Cowherd did not appear in any games for the Rebels last year, Cowherd is a pivotal returning piece that can help blend the mix of freshman and transfers as one of the few returnees on this Rebels squad. As a former 3 star-recruit in the 2022 class, Cowherd chose the Rebels over Baylor, Xavier and Clemson, respectively. He is entering this season as a redshirt freshman.
Center – Rashaud Marshall (Freshman)
Talk about a whirlwind. On February 28, Marshall decommitted from the Rebels in wake of Kermit Davis’ firing. On March 13, he recommitted after meeting with newly-minted head coach Chris Beard. On April 27, he decommitted from the Rebels again but recommitted to the Rebels (officially) on May 1. The four-star big man will be a solid backup to both Sharp and Cisse. If Cisse is ineligible, Marshall will likely see himself consistently in the rotation due to his traditional-like post skills largely thanks to his physicality.
Power Forward – Cameron Barnes (Freshman)
Ranked as a 3-star recruit in the 2023 class, the Duncanville, Texas native can crack the rotation due to his 6 ‘9 frame and ability to play the four as a versatile athlete. Barnes chose the Rebels over Baylor, Memphis, Oklahoma State and SMU, respectively.