Ole Miss basketball banking on transfers, but freshmen trio could tip the scales

Ole Miss basketball will again rely heavily on transfers as head coach Chris Beard builds out another contender in Year 3.

The wildcards are three true freshmen, all of which were Top 100 recruits in the class of 2025.

Forwards Niko Bundalo and Tylis Jordan were ranked the highest, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Bundalo was No. 30 in the country, while Jordan was No. 47. 

Patton Pinkins — a guard, and son of Ole Miss assistant Al Pinkins — was No. 83.

“I don’t think it’s really any pressure on us,” Patton told Rebel Grove. “Tylis and Nico are both great guys, my roommates. So, we’ve got a good connection. Putting the rankings and stuff aside, just coming in here and having a chip on our shoulder as freshmen to try to compete with these older guys. Compete the best we can. That’s what we’ve been doing so far.”

Ole Miss returns just two contributors from last season’s Sweet 16 team. Malik Dia is one of the better returning bigs in the SEC. Eduardo Klafke played in every game as a true freshman.

The Rebels signed seven transfers, the three freshmen and former EuroBasket MVP Ilias Kamardine. Kamardine’s arrival was delayed due to visa issues, but he’s expected to finally report to campus on Sunday.

“I see a team that’s ready to go contend and compete for a national championship,” Pinkins said. “Obviously room to improve, still getting in shape and lifting weights and getting our bodies right, but practice has been great. That will continue to get better day in and day out. Just touch up on the little things and we can have a really good shot at doing something special this year and making history.”

RELATED: Chris Beard high on freshman Tylis Jordan as former 4-star settles in

Pinkins is working towards carving out a real role. 

He’s mostly been utilized as an off-ball guard over his career. However, Beard wants the 6-foot-5, 200-pound Pinkins handling the ball some, which has been a primary point of emphasis. He’s worked specifically on his distributing, shot-making, defense and rebounding.

“Great Sweet 16 run last year,” Pinkins said. “I was actually at the games watching it and stuff. They did a really good job. That’s a pretty high standard set for this year’s team, and coach Beard’s like, ‘I don’t want to just have a Sweet 16. I want to have an Elite Eight, Final Four.’

“That’s the standard that’s set for this year’s team. We’ve just got to keep practicing hard and coming together as a team. Just working hard to get a Final Four and a national championship like we want to. I love to win. Want to win a national championship. We’re on the same page there and should be really good.”

Pinkins last season averaged 27 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game as a senior for Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas.

He led the program to its first regional final in history. He shot nearly 56 percent from the floor and 42 percent from 3.

Bundalo put up 11.0 points and 8.0 rebounds for Napa Prolific (California) Prep. Jordan was a consensus 4-star and Top 100 recruit. He played his senior season at Wheeler (Georgia) High School, where the 6-foot-9, 215-pound Jordan helped lead his team to a 29-3 record and Class 6A State Championship.

“They bring a bunch to the table,” Pinkins said. “Nico, like 6-10 or 6-11. He’s told me he’s gotten [compared to Chet Holmgren] from people around town a couple times. Like Chet, can stretch the floor, shoot it, defend, rebound and really block shots with his length. 

“Tylis, the same way. He’s a little bit shorter, like 6-8 or 6-9, but can stretch the floor. Really good defender and blocks shots. They kind of have similar games. Nico’s just a little bit taller, but they play hard and they’re going to bring a lot to the table this year for our team.”