Kermit Davis reveals next step in James White’s development

In 18 games last year for Ole Miss, James White averaged just 2.2 points per game. But he could be in for a bigger year in 2022-23 as he develops, according to coach Kermit Davis.

During a press conference this week, Davis said White is growing, which helps his development. White averaged 11.6 minutes per game over the last five games of the 2021-22 campaign after playing in just 5.0 minutes per contest before that. As the offseason goes on, Davis said he’s seen some good things out of White as he prepares for his sophomore season in Oxford.

“James, he’s grown,” Davis told reporters. “He’s well over 6-5, he’s gained like 19 pounds. He’s 202 pounds. He just lives in the gym. I think James has made a big step athletically and from a maturity standpoint, working his tail off.

“The biggest thing for James is down to five-on-five, being able to playmake, really defend in a team setting. He’s making progress in all those different things. We think James is going to have a really good year.”

Kermit Davis discusses leadership role of Matthew Murrell

Kermit Davis’ Ole Miss program lost plenty of experience from their roster this offseason. Jarkel Joiner, Nysier Brooks, Luis Rodriguez, and Sammy Hunter all departed from the program since the Rebel’s season ended in the SEC Tournament against Missouri.

With a void needing to be filled, Davis says one player has already stepped up to do so.

Junior guard Matthew Murrell is taking the next step to be a leader in Oxford, according to Davis. His head coach say it has started both on the floor and in the film room.

“We haven’t talked in terms of scoring but we’ve talked a lot about the leadership,” Davis said. “[I] hear Matt’s voice a lot more. Matt and I watch tape every single day.”