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Chris Beard Sends Strong Message on All-American Ole Miss Transfer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 7:07 PM ET

The Ole Miss men's basketball team had a historic season in just the second year of head coach Chris Beard's tenure. For the first time in over two decades, the Rebels made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament during the 2024-25 season.

Unfortunately, the team was led by almost exclusively seniors, so stars like Sean Pedulla, Matthew Murrell, Jaemyn Brakefield and Dre Davis will not be on the team next season.

Beard has been hard at work rebuilding the roster this offseason, and he landed big-name transfers like Kansas' AJ Storr, Kentucky's Travis Perry and Louisville's Koren Johnson and James Scott.

Division II All-American Hobert "Deuce" Grayson was also an underrated addition for the team this offseason, and coach Beard is already excited about the 6-foot-6 wing.

“We’re always looking for guys that have been coached," Beard said. “Deuce and those guys won championships. They played in NCAA Tournaments. He just established himself as a really good player. ... Knowing where he’s been and the sacrifices he’s made to play college basketball … he’s another guy that’s got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. We value that around here.”

Grayson averaged 21.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest last season at Ouachita Baptist, and he had 20 games where he scored 20 points or more. He also had 17 double-doubles and a game with 20 rebounds.

In addition to Storr, Perry, Johnson, Scott and Grayson, Ole Miss also brought in LSU forward Corey Chest, Butler's Augusto Cassia and High Point guard Kezza Giffa.

Beard also signed highly touted high school recruits like Niko Bundalo, Tylis Jordan and Patton Pinkins.

The Rebels have Malik Dia and Eduardo Klafke returning from last year's playing rotation as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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