Ole Miss Rebels Men’s Basketball Scores Spot in AP Top 25 Preseason Poll, Fans Buzz with Anticipation for Upcoming Season

Exciting Times Ahead for Rebels Basketball Fans in Oxford

Oxford, MS – There’s a buzz in the air as the Ole Miss Rebels men’s basketball team makes waves this season. For the first time in 27 years, the Rebels are basking in the glory of being ranked in the AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Preseason Poll, coming in at a respectable No. 24. This achievement marks only the second time in the program’s history that they have earned this coveted spot, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled!

What Does This Mean for the Program?

Ranked among the best in the nation, the Rebels are not alone; they join an impressive list of eight other teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) that are also featured in the Top 25. On the flip side, fellow Mississippi team, Mississippi State, received votes but didn’t quite make the cut this time around.

This ranking sets a positive tone as Chris Beard enters his second season at the helm. Last season, the Rebels finished with a solid 20-12 record but fell short of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, this year, there’s renewed hope and expectations for the team.

A Veteran Team for 2024

One of the standout features of the upcoming Rebels team is their experience. The team leads the SEC in returning minutes per game, boasting a roster filled with 10 seniors. Such experience can be invaluable in high-stakes games, and fans are optimistic about how this will play out on the court.

What’s on the Schedule?

The excitement continues as the Rebels have lined up a charity exhibition to host Illinois on October 27 at the SJB Pavilion. This not only serves as a great way to kick off the season but also helps the community. Following this charity event, the Rebels will officially begin their regular season on November 4 against Long Island, with the game set to tip off at 7:30 p.m.

Keeping Up with the Teams

As fans gear up for this season, it’s essential to keep an eye on the competition. The complete AP Top 25 Poll has been released, and it includes some heavy hitters, with teams like Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina vying for the top spots. These legendary programs have solidified their places in college basketball history, making the Rebels’ ranking even more significant.

Among those receiving votes but not making the Top 25 is Texas Tech and Wisconsin, who are closely nipping at the heels for a coveted ranking. Fans are eager to see how Ole Miss stacks up against these storied franchises and how they perform throughout the season.

Conclusion

As the countdown to the regular season begins, excitement is building in Oxford, and the energy surrounding the Rebels is palpable. With a seasoned roster, a strong coaching staff, and a renewed sense of determination, it looks like basketball season is about to get real! So, mark your calendars, grab your jerseys, and get ready to cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels as they strive for greatness this year.

Don’t forget to join the conversation online and share your thoughts and expectations for the season ahead. Remember, it’s Hotty Toddy spirit all the way!