As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard and his team are preparing for a pivotal year. After taking over the program in 2023, Beard is focused on transforming Ole Miss basketball into a serious contender in the SEC. Part of his strategy for building a competitive and resilient team involves creating what he calls “internal adversity”—a method to challenge players mentally and physically before the season begins.
Beard’s approach to preparing his team for the season is rooted in the belief that the more challenges they face in practice, the better they will perform when real adversity hits during games. This strategy is not uncommon for Beard, who has a history of pushing his players to their limits in order to build toughness and unity. During his time at Texas Tech, where he led the Red Raiders to the 2019 NCAA Championship game, Beard earned a reputation for creating demanding environments that forced players to rise above difficulties. Now, he’s bringing that philosophy to Oxford.
“We’re creating adversity every day in practice,” Beard said in a recent interview. “The season is full of ups and downs, and if we don’t prepare for those tough moments, we’ll fall apart. So, we’re intentionally putting our guys through challenges—mentally and physically—so they learn how to respond to pressure and tough situations.”
One of Beard’s main goals is to instill a mindset of resilience and accountability among his players. He has implemented high-intensity drills, situations where players face game-like pressure, and even moments of unpredictability to keep them on their toes. “We want to simulate the toughest environments they’ll face in the SEC,” Beard explained. “Whether it’s a hostile road game or a close contest in the final minutes, we’re building the tools to respond the right way.”
This method is particularly important as Ole Miss looks to improve on last season’s struggles. In 2023-24, the Rebels finished with a disappointing 12-21 record, but Beard’s arrival has generated optimism that a turnaround is within reach. The roster for the upcoming season features a mix of returning players and new talent, including several transfers who are expected to make an immediate impact. Beard has emphasized the need for all players to embrace the challenge of competing in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
Key returning players, such as Matthew Murrell and Jaemyn Brakefield, have already spoken highly of Beard’s methods and the intensity he has brought to the program. “Coach Beard doesn’t let us take a day off,” Murrell said. “Every practice feels like a game. He’s preparing us for anything, and it’s making us better.”
In addition to the internal adversity created in practice, Beard has lined up a tough non-conference schedule for the Rebels, further adding to the challenges they will face before SEC play begins. This decision is intentional, as Beard wants to test his team early to expose any weaknesses and ensure they are battle-tested when the conference season rolls around. “We’re going to play the best teams we can find,” Beard stated. “The goal is to be ready for the grind of the SEC, and the only way to do that is by facing the best competition.”
As Ole Miss basketball heads into the 2024-25 season, the team’s focus on adversity, resilience, and mental toughness will be key factors in their success. Under Chris Beard’s leadership, the Rebels are aiming not only to improve their win-loss record but also to establish a new culture of competitiveness and toughness. While the challenges ahead are significant, Beard’s methods of creating internal adversity could be the recipe for a breakthrough season.
The looming season is set to be a defining one for the Rebels. If Beard’s approach pays off, Ole Miss could find itself climbing the SEC standings and making a push for postseason contention. For now, though, the focus remains on preparation and embracing the adversity that comes with it.