Ole Miss transfer forward Malik Dia withdraws from NBA Draft, will play for Rebels in 2024-2025

Belmont transfer power forward Malik Dia announced Wednesday he would be withdrawing from the NBA Draft and playing for Ole Miss next season. Jon Rothstein was first to report what was expected. The 6-foot-9, 240 pound prospect wanted to test the waters and receive constructive feedback from scouts.

Dia averaged 16.9 points per game for the Bruins in 2023-2024. He scored in double figures 30(!) times for Belmont, including 12 times of 20 points or more. The 6-foot-9 sophomore originally began his career at Vanderbilt.

He was a three-star recruit out of high school, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the No. 200 overall recruit and No. 5 player out of his home state of Tennessee.

Malik Dia had one of his best games of the year against an NCAA Tournament team.

The former Ensworth School (Tenn.) recruit scored 32 points during a 22-point win over Drake January 7. He made a season-high five three-pointers and shot 10-for-16 from the field. Dia averaged 22.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game as a high school senior, earning Tennessee First Team All-State honors.

Belmont sophomore Malik Dia will enter the transfer portal and also test for the NBA Draft

Averaged 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists this past season.

One of the most intriguing talents in college basketball. 6’10 with a legit handle, deadly spin game @malikkdia pic.twitter.com/uJHzBO7ze6

— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) March 16, 2024