Rebels' Chris Beard Ready For 'Second Season' To Begin

Ole Miss Rebels men's basketball coach Chris Beard is proud of his team's perfect start but knows their toughest challenge lies ahead.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels men's basketball team is one of the hottest groups in the country after finishing their 2023-24 non-conference schedule with a perfect 13-0 record. The Rebels are ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll entering conference play in Chris Beard's first season with the program, and the optimism around Ole Miss continues to grow as the days pass.

With Beard and the Rebels off to literally a perfect start, Ole Miss' coach was asked if he has seen positive progression from his team during his press conference on Thursday.

"Of course, I do think there's been some positive growth in the team," Beard told reporters. "Think back to where we were at that very first practice of the summer and where we are today, we're definitely a better team."

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As it stands, the Rebels are one of the three teams still undefeated in college basketball, a feat no one had on their bingo cards entering Beard's inaugural season. Beard explained that Ole Miss' early success can be attributed to the fact that all his players have bought in, but they are aware their toughest challenge lies ahead.

"I'm proud of this team," Beard said. "These guys have bought in. Now it's a matter of going out there and trying to play our best basketball when it matters most. For us, that's this second season, the second season of conference play."

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The Rebels begin their SEC slate on Saturday night with their first real test of the season, a road game against the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers. Beard is confident in his players as they enter their first matchup with a ranked opponent this season, and he knows that more growth is coming.

"We're going to try to play our best game of the year on Saturday--that's Captain Obvious," Beard said. "I think that's what's in our guys' hearts. They understand that the team we were in November is not going to get it done in March."

Ole Miss' matchup versus Tennessee will be held in Thompson-Boling Arena at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday and can be viewed on SEC Network.