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Ole Miss Basketball Receives Exciting Roster News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 3:27 PM ET

Head coach Chris Beard has turned around the Ole Miss basketball program in just two seasons at the helm, as the Rebels made a run to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament this year before eventually losing to Michigan State in the Sweet 16. While most of the key contributors last season were seniors, forward Malik Dia still has another year of eligibility. On Sunday, he announced his plans for next season.

"After an incredible run to the Sweet 16 this past season," wrote Dia. "I'm excited to announce that I will be returning to Ole Miss for another year under Coach Beard to run it back with my brothers."

Dia began his career at Vanderbilt and then transferred to Belmont after just one season. Ole Miss was his third school in as many years, but Coach Beard built a culture that finally made the Murfreesboro, Tennessee native want to stick around a program for multiple seasons.

He started all 36 games for the Rebels during the 2024-25 campaign and was third on the team in scoring at 10.8 points per contest. Dia also contributed 5.7 rebounds per game and shot 34.5% from beyond the arc, which helped Ole Miss spread the floor and keep teams guessing.

Coach Beard will field almost an entirely new starting lineup next season after the departures of Sean Pedulla, Matthew Murrell and more. However, with Dia returning and a few key transfers slated to land with the Rebels, this team can build off what they started last season.

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

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