Ole Miss Basketball Roster: The Key Players to Watch in 2023

Ole Miss Basketball Roster: The Key Players to Watch in 2023

By ashdev

If you’re a college basketball fan, you likely already anticipate the 2023 season. And if you’re an Ole Miss fan, you’re probably eager to learn more about the key players on the team. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Ole Miss basketball roster for the 2023 season, including the players to watch, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect from the team overall.

Before we dive into the details of the Ole Miss basketball roster, let’s take a quick look at the team’s recent history. The Ole Miss Rebels had a respectable, 2022 season, finishing with a record of 17-13 overall and 7-11 in the SEC. However, they fell short in the SEC Tournament, losing in the first round to South Carolina. Looking ahead to the 2023 season, the Rebels will be looking to build on their successes from last year and make a deeper run in the conference tournament.

Key Players

The Rebels will count on several key players to step up and lead the team to achieve that goal. Here are the players to watch on the Ole Miss basketball roster:

Jarkel Joiner

Jarkel Joiner is a senior guard who transferred to Ole Miss from Cal State Bakersfield before the 2020-21 season. Last year, he was the Rebels’ leading scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game. Joiner is a versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court, but he’s especially dangerous from beyond the arc, where he shot 41.4% last season. He’s also a solid defender, averaging 1.3 steals per game.

Luis Rodriguez

Luis Rodriguez is a junior forward who was a key contributor for the Rebels last season. He averaged 8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, shooting 55.3% from the field. Rodriguez is a versatile player who can play multiple positions and is known for his high motor and tenacity on defense.

Matthew Murrell

Matthew Murrell is a sophomore guard who showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman season. He averaged 5.8 points per game and shot 36.7% from three-point range. Murrell is a skilled shooter who can also create his shot off the dribble. If he can step forward in his development this season, he could become a key player for the Rebels.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a freshman guard who was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school. He’s known for his athleticism and ability to get to the rim, but he’s also a solid shooter from outside. Alexander-Walker could provide a spark off the bench for the Rebels this season.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Now that we’ve covered the key players on the Ole Miss basketball roster let’s look at the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

The Rebels’ biggest strength is their backcourt. Joiner, Murrell, and Alexander-Walker are all talented guards who can score from anywhere on the court. Additionally, the Rebels have a solid front court led by Rodriguez and fellow junior Sammy Hunter.

Weaknesses

The Rebels’ biggest weakness is their lack of depth in the front court. Behind Rodriguez and Hunter, there isn’t much-proven talent, which could be a problem if either of those players gets into foul trouble or suffers an injury.

Turnovers

As mentioned, turnovers were a problem for the Rebels last season. They averaged 14.3 turnovers per game, tied for 255th in the nation. If the team can improve in this area, they should be able to compete with the top teams in the SEC.

Schedule

The Rebels’ schedule for the 2023 season is a challenging one. They’ll face off against several ranked opponents, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Additionally, they’ll have tough road games against teams like LSU and Auburn. If the Rebels can hold their own against these teams, it will be a good sign for their chances in the postseason.

Expectations

So, what can Ole Miss fans expect from the team in the 2023 season? The Rebels have the talent to compete with anyone in the SEC, but they’ll need to stay healthy and limit turnovers to make a deep run in the conference tournament. If Joiner, Rodriguez, and Murrell can continue to develop and Alexander-Walker can make an impact as a first-year student, the Rebels could surprise some people this season.

FAQs

Q. Who is the leading scorer on the Ole Miss basketball roster?

A. Jarkel Joiner was the team’s leading scorer last season and is expected to fill that role again in the 2023 season.

Q. What are the Rebels’ biggest strengths?

A. The Rebels’ biggest strengths are their talented backcourt and solid frontcourt, led by Luis Rodriguez and Sammy Hunter.

Q. Who are the key players to watch on the Ole Miss basketball roster?

A. In addition to Joiner and Rodriguez, fans should keep an eye on Matthew Murrell and freshman Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Q. What are the Rebels’ biggest weaknesses?

A. The Rebels’ biggest weaknesses are their lack of depth in the frontcourt and a tendency to turn the ball over too often.

Q. What are the expectations for the Ole Miss basketball team in the 2023 season?

A. If the team can stay healthy and limit turnovers, they have the potential to make a deep run in the conference tournament and even earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Conclusion

The Ole Miss basketball roster for the 2023 season is a talented one, led by Jarkel Joiner, Luis Rodriguez, and Matthew Murrell. While the team has some weaknesses, including a lack of depth in the frontcourt and a tendency to turn the ball over, they have the potential to compete with the top teams in the SEC. If the Rebels can stay healthy and play to their potential, they could make a deep run in the conference tournament and even earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.