Ole Miss Backcourt Provides Stiff Test for Cajuns

The Ole Miss Rebels have some questions to answer as they open the season against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Friday night.

But there's no questioning the talent in the backcourt.

The Rebels, after reaching the NIT quarterfinals a year ago, have their sights set higher this year and it's because of their depth at the guard position.  Ole Miss returns three guards who started at least 23 games last year, including leading scorer Deandre Burnett (16.5 ppg).  Terrance Davis (14.9) also returns, as does point guard Breein Tyree (7.5).

Add to the mix Memphis graduate transfer Markel Crawford and freshman Devontae Shuler and you've got one deep backcourt.  Rebels' coach Andy Kennedy calls the freshman the best on ball defender he's ever coached and Shuler also hit five three pointers in the exhibition win over North Alabama.

There are a couple of questions to be answered in the frontcourt with the departure of Sebastian Saiz (15.1 ppg, 11.4 rpg.)  But highly touted JUCO transfer Bruce Davis (6-8, 240) out of Jones (MS) Junior College is expected to step in, while Drake transfer Dominic Olejniczak (7-0, 255) will be a presence in the middle.

It should be a really interesting battle of the guards Friday night. Tip off is at 7:00 from the Pavilion at Ole Miss.  Hear the game on HOT 107.9 FM with pre game at 6:30.