As Ole Miss prepares for its upcoming exhibition game against Illinois, head coach Chris Beard has been vocal about his respect for the Illini and the challenge they present. This matchup comes as a crucial test for Beard’s squad as they look to build momentum and chemistry ahead of the 2024-25 season. Illinois, a strong program with a solid reputation in the Big Ten, provides the kind of competition that can help the Rebels gauge their current standing and identify areas for improvement.
Beard, known for his defensive-minded coaching and ability to lead programs to success, recognizes that facing Illinois will be no easy task. In his pre-game remarks, he praised Illinois’ balanced roster and the leadership of head coach Brad Underwood. He noted that Illinois has consistently been a high-level team, making noise in both the Big Ten and nationally.
“Coach Underwood has built a strong program at Illinois. They play tough, disciplined basketball, and they’ve got some really talented guys who can hurt you in multiple ways,” Beard said. “This is the kind of test we need to see where we are.”
Illinois boasts an impressive mix of experience and young talent, with players who can contribute offensively while also maintaining strong defensive pressure. Their ability to spread the floor, shoot from range, and control the paint makes them a formidable opponent, even in an exhibition game.
For Ole Miss, this exhibition game is more than just a preseason tune-up. It offers a chance to see how Beard’s system is coming together and how his new-look team handles a challenging opponent. Beard has only been with the program since 2023, but he’s already made a significant impact in reshaping the roster and establishing a culture of toughness and discipline.
“We’re still in the early stages of where we want to be, but I’m excited to see how our guys respond to a team like Illinois,” Beard said. “It’s about building confidence and learning to play with each other in these kinds of games.”
With new faces on the roster and Beard’s system still being implemented, the exhibition will provide a glimpse of how the Rebels’ team chemistry is developing. Players like junior guard Matthew Murrell and forward Jaemyn Brakefield will be crucial to setting the tone for Ole Miss, and Beard will be watching closely to see how they perform under pressure.
Beard emphasized the importance of defense and rebounding against Illinois. He knows that the Illini have players who can create their own shots and dominate inside, so Ole Miss will need to match their physicality and discipline.
“Our defense will be key, especially in transition. We can’t afford to give them easy buckets,” Beard said. “We also need to control the boards. Rebounding will be a big factor in this game.”
He also pointed to the opportunity for his younger players to gain valuable experience against high-level competition. Beard hopes that players like freshman guard Jamarion Sharp can rise to the occasion and show what they can bring to the table.
While it’s just an exhibition, the game against Illinois holds significance for Ole Miss as they continue to build under Chris Beard’s leadership. Facing a strong program like Illinois will give the Rebels a chance to measure their progress and set the tone for the regular season.
“This game is a stepping stone,” Beard said. “We’re excited to compete, and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
As Ole Miss continues its journey under Beard, the game against Illinois will serve as a valuable learning experience, one that could shape the direction of their season.