Ole Miss Rebels Coach Chris Beard Finds Positives, Room For Improvement in Team's Exhibition vs. Tusculum

The Ole Miss Rebels defeated Division II Tusculum in an exhibition on Monday, but what were the head coach's takeaways from the night?

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Division II Tusculum Pioneers 85-44 in a preseason exhibition game on Monday night, and while competition will certainly get stiffer for Chris Beard's team moving forward, the head coach had numerous takeaways from the contest.

One of Beard's biggest focuses in preseason scrimmages is "exposing," not flaws on the opponent, but flaws on your own team. While there were some positive takeaways in his mind on Monday, he did notice multiple areas that need to improve in the practices ahead. 

"I think in some ways, we're kind of on track, and in other ways, we're not," Beard said. "Before I watch the film, ball screen defense has got to get better. Especially when the ball is in the middle of the floor, we seem to be confused. The purpose of these games is to try and expose some things, so tonight, 'A-plus' on that because we got exposed on a lot of things we can get back this week.

"I think tonight, we showed some good things. Our transition defense improved from our close-door scrimmage to tonight. Not perfect at all, but there was some improvement there, but that's the great thing about these exhibition games: it exposes things we know to work on next practice."

Oct 18, 2023; Brimingham, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard talks with the media during the SEC Basketball Tipoff at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports / © Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Something else Beard is seeking is consistency from sophomore guard T.J. Caldwell. He showed some flashes on Monday night, but his motivation this season needs to be solid performances game-in and game-out.

"I think the thing with T.J. is consistency," Beard said. "As a freshman, he was one of those guys who could play good every three games or so. It's sophomore year, so is he going to take the next step? Tonight was a great example of that. At times, one of the best players on the floor. At other times, he looked like a freshman. We have very high expectations for him."

The Rebels will officially open their season at home next Monday when they play host to the Alabama State Hornets. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be aired on SEC Network+.