2006 Mississippi Rebels Basketball Preview

2006 Mississippi Rebels Basketball Predictions

In 2005- 06, Ole’ Miss finished at the bottom of the SEC West (14- 16 overall and 4- 12 SEC) and stayed home during the post-season. It’s been four years since they’ve been to the Big Dance. Still, the future looks bright.

At the guard positions, look for seniors Todd Abernathy (8.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 44.9 FG%, 58.1 FT%) and Bam Doyle (9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 42.7 FG%, 73.6 FT%) to be in the mix, as well as Seton Hall transfer Justin Cerasoli (6.2 PPG, 2.5 APG). Clarence Sanders (9.1 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 35.3 FG%, 66.1 FT%), like his counterpart Doyle, can drive quickly inside and score.

Dwayne Curtis (13.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 56.8 FG%, 59.1 FT%) starts his junior year as the team’s most productive scorer. If he can contribute even more this season, it will boost the Rebels chances of winning. Jermey Parnell (4.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.5 APG, 47.3 FG%, 67.2 FT%) plays tough inside, while sophomore forward Trey Hampton (4.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 42.3 FG%, 64.0 FT%) brings versatility, having the ability to score while driving inside or to hit from the 3-point stripe. Look for both Parnell and Hampton to be in the frontcourt. Freshman Kennedy Williams—6’ 8” and 240-pounds—will score and rebound for Ole’ Miss from the get-go.

Andy Kennedy (23- 13 in one year at Cincinnati) starts his first season as the Rebels’ head coach and his second in the college ranks. Although he signed some good frosh talent to join a roster filled primarily with juniors and sophomores, he knows that just about every player needs more experience. Look for Kennedy to focus on man-on-man defense and an up-tempo transition game.

The Rebels new coach may be a neophyte, but he’s got a lot going for him, including having played for and assisted great basketball minds such as Jim Valvano, Gene Barrow and Bob Huggins. Ole’ Miss won’t get to the post-season this year, but hard work and experience should position them for a run in 2007- 08.

If you want more info on the 2006 Mississippi Rebels College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide.