OAKLAND-The Ole Miss Rebel basketball team concluded their 2011 season with a heartbreaking 77-74 loss to the California Golden Bears in the first round of the Men's NIT. The Rebels fought hard and brought the game close several times, but with Jorge Gutierrez 25 points and two free throws with under 20 seconds was just too much for the fatigued Rebels.
"They knocked in rhythm shots early and then it became contagious," Andy Kennedy stated."I thought our guys did a good job of weathering that and getting back in the game. Unfortunately we've been on this side more times than we would like to admit." The Rebs finished the season at 20-14, clinching the sixth straight 20 win season under coach Kennedy.
The Rebels have achieved a solid 20 wins the past six seasons, but fans are becoming discouraged that 20 wins just does not cut the mustard anymore with the faltering SEC competition in relation to the rest of the major conferences. Is it time for a change?
Freshman student and long time Ole Miss fan Buckner Corso stated: "I believe that Kennedy has been a great coach, but has not shown to be too clutch in late game situations where the game is hanging in the balance." The Rebels lost 8 games this season by 5 points or less, and most of these were games of teams with a dismal RPI.
Like Chris Warren, Zach Graham's carreer as an Ole Miss basketball player ended as well. The senior posted 17 points, and was a vocal leader for this team throughout the season. Both Warren and Graham finished as two of the top 18 scorers in school history. Chris Warren chipped in 23 points to put him at one of four players ever in the SEC to reach the 2,000 points and 400 assist century mark. Graham also broke the school record with 135 games played.
What will the Rebels due to prepare for next season? It starts now. The three driving forces for next years team will be junior forward, Terrence Henry, freshman guard Dundrecous Nelson, and the upcoming phenom Jelan Kendrick of Atlanta. "The Rebels have all the keys to put together a great upcoming season," says Corso. "It's all about putting those keys in the right places."
Sources:
http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ole-m-baskbl-mtt.html
http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031611aaa.html
No comments:
Post a Comment