The world of college athletics has not been the same since the transfer portal and NIL took center stage. We know that. But for the first time since this came into play, the Ole Miss men’s basketball program is seeing the ramifications.

Belmont transfer Malik Dia and rising sophomore Eduardo Klafke are the only two returning players for Coach Beard. It is equally important and impressive.

The Rebels graduated nine seniors while seeing John Bol and Robert Cowherd hit the portal.

Keeping Dia and Klafke was huge for Ole Miss but the task of replenishing an entire roster and maintaining the same level of success is daunting.

So what does the new look Ole Miss hoops roster look like?

Freshman

Niko Bundalo – 6’10” F

Niko is the highest rated recruit in Rebel history on 24/7 and a McDonald’s All-American.

The skilled big man is a nice piece alongside Malik Dia as both can score on all three levels. Expect Bundalo to have a massive impact early on despite the heavy number of transfers.

Patton Pinkins – 6’5” G

Patton is the son of Ole Miss assistant coach Al Pinkins, but that is not why he is on the roster. Pinkins is a top 100 recruit on most major recruiting sites. A guard with great size that is one of the best long range shooters in the class of 2025.

Tylis Jordan – 6’9” F

Jordan is four star top 50 prospect out of Georgia. The presence of Bundalo, Dia and a few transfers is going to make it difficult for Jordan to find the floor his freshman season.

Transfers

Travis Perry – 6’1” Sophomore, Kentucky

– All time leading scorer in Kentucky high school history. 7th most points in high school history nationwide. 2025 Mr. Basketball in Kentucky and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year.

AJ Storr – 6’5” Senior, Kansas

– Former 4 star, Second Team All Big Ten 23-24, Wooden Award Watch List

James Scott – 6’11” Junior, Louisville

Koren Johnson – 6’1” Junior, Louisville

– #1 player in Washington in 2022

Corey Chest – 6’7” Sophomore, LSU

– Former four star, #2 player in Missouri

Augusto Cassia – 6’8” Junior, Butler

Kezza Giffa – 6’1” Senior, High Point

– 1,000 point scorer, 1st team All Big South (23-24)

Ilias Kamardine – 6’4” Senior, France

– FIBA U20 MVP

Hobert Grayson – 6’5” Senior, Ouachita Baptist

– DII All American

A major difference in the composition of next year’s roster is the significantly smaller number of seniors on the roster. It seems as if a focus of the roster was getting guys like Malik Dia who may stay more than one season.

This could be the most talented Ole Miss roster in program history, only time will tell if Coach Beard and his staff can make the pieces fit.