Nelson and Cox Both Ink LOI's

Yazoo City's Demarco Cox (left) and Murrah's Dundrecous Nelson (right) both signed letters of intent to play basketball at Ole Miss, today. This marks the first recruits from the state of Mississippi since Andy Kennedy has been at the helm of the program. Nelson is a 5'11" point guard while Cox is a 6'8", 285 lb. post.

Rebel Basketball Preview- Murphy Holloway, Reginald Buckner, and DeAngelo Riley

Strengths: Holloway is the odds on favorite to average a double-double this season for the Rebels. That's not a far cry considering he averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds as a freshman. His activeness around the basket could lead to many put-back opportunities.

Weaknesses: Holloway can turn into a more complete player if he develops his face-up game. If teams have to guard him from 15-feet, it'll open the lane for Holloway to make moves toward the basket.

Expectations for '09-'10: To me, Holloway should be the starter at the "4" given his impressive freshman campaign. There's no doubt that he'll play a huge role this season, as well.

Strengths: Andy Kennedy has hyped Buckner since his commitment by attributing his overall athleticism. If Buckner proves his shot blocking and rebounding abilities, then the freshman will make a big splash.

Weaknesses: Getting acquainted to the system will be key for Buckner as he is raw at this point.

Expectations for '09-'10: I wouldn't be surprised to see Buckner start, eventually. Give the freshman some time and I think he'll turn out to be an All-SEC Freshman team selection.

Strengths: It helps that Riley already has two seasons of JUCO competition under his belt. As one of the biggest players on the roster, Riley will be counted on to contribute on the glass.

Weaknesses: An advantage for Riley is also a disadvantage as he will have to get acquainted to the speed and strength of the SEC.

Expectations for '09-'10: Riley is going to have to contribute on the glass. Maybe not in the area of scoring the basketball, but post defense and rebounding are going to be huge for the 6'9", 245 lb. junior.

Rebel Basketball Preview- Eniel Polynice, Chris Warren, and Terrico White

Strengths: Polynice is unquestionably the most vital cog that the team missed last season. The junior brings to the table the best perimeter defense on the roster as well as a slashing mentality offensively that affords the team a lethal third scorer. It also helps that Polynice has seen time at point guard which gives the team another option to execute the offense.

Weaknesses: In the same vein as Zach Graham, Polynice has to become more consistent with his perimeter shooting. Both Warren and Terrico White will be expected to connect on long range shots, but Polynice is going to have to contribute, as well.

Expectations for '09-'10: Without a doubt, Polynice should be the starter at the "3" and offers an interesting complement to both Warren and White. The 6'5" swingman will also be expected to rebound more than he did two seasons ago.

Strengths: What's not to like about Warren's uncanny ability to score the basketball. As a freshman, Warren averaged nearly 16 points per game, and before last season's injury, the guard was off to a 19.6 points per game average. Also, Warren's return will take some of the ball handling responsibilities away from Terrico White.

Weaknesses: In the early portion of last season, teams seemed to go at Warren defensively. At 5'10", he'll be one of the smallest guy on the floor much of the time, but there has to be help defense to assist Warren if bigger guards post him up underneath.

Expectations for '09-'10: No question about it, people expect Warren to pick up right where he left off as the team's best scoring threat. It may take a little bit to get his rhythm back, but in time Warren could be just as lethal as he was in '07-'08.

Strengths: There's not a whole lot to say after White has been touted as one of the top returning guards in the country by numerous publications. The 6'5" sophomore is one of the most athletically gifted players in the SEC regardless of position.

Weaknesses: I'd like to see more consistency from White's jump shooting, but outside of that, the kid has the ability to be the SEC Player of the Year.

Expectations for '09-'10: White's the go-to guy coming into the season and it will be interesting to see if he can co-exist alongside Chris Warren.

Rebel Basketball Preview- Trevor Gaskins, Terrance Henry, and Zach Graham

The next three guys will be almost interchangeable in their roles this season for the Rebels:

Strengths: Without question, Gaskins brings an outside shooting touch that will stretch the opponent's defense. Outside of that, Gaskins doesn't do anything particularly great but just well enough to get by.

Weaknesses: The clear and present drawback to Gaskins' game is decision making. When he's on, he's on. But when he's not, he shoots the Rebels out of possessions and, at times, out of games. Due to his lack of size, Gaskins has a hard time making plays going towards the basket.

Expectations for '09-'10: Seemingly healthy, Andy Kennedy seems to think that Gaskins will play a large role this season. However, I feel that there are four true guards on the roster that are better than Gaskins. He'll get some time and could be relied upon heavily as the team's main long range threat. Outside of that, don't expect a whole lot.

Strengths: Terrance Henry is clearly a kid that has flown under the radar this off-season after he's added much needed weight to his long, rangy frame. His athleticism allows him to slash to the basket with an underrated ability to finish tough moves.

Weaknesses: Henry's jump shooting could use some work, but he won't be expected to shoot from the outside on this guard heavy team. He's had a year in the weight training program that will only benefit him in the future.

Expectations for '09-'10: Henry could get a lot of time as the primary back-up to somebody like Eniel Polynice. If the added weight has paid off, then Henry could be a surprising contributor this season.

Strengths: Graham filled in huge as a starter last season even after playing with a partially torn patella. Clearly, his strength makes him a force defensively. On the offensive end, an argument could be made that Graham is one of the more polished players on the roster.

Weaknesses: The only glaring weakness with Graham is his inconsistency shooting the ball from long range. If he's able to build consistency shooting then Graham has the potential to be an All-SEC type player.

Expectations for '09-'10: Graham could start on occasion and should be the first man of the bench, otherwise. No question that he's one of the more important cogs on the roster.

Rebel Basketball Preview- DeAundre Cranston

Strengths: With the departure of Malcolm White, Cranston is the biggest returning player on the roster. Not only will Cranston be counted on inside defensively, but he brings an inside-out element that will allow the Rebels to stretch the defense with his ability to shoot the 3-ball.

Weaknesses: There were moments last season where Cranston was brilliant only to follow it up with a poor performance. If the 6'9", 260 lb. senior can maintain some consistency, he could be vital for the team's success in 2009-2010. Much of Cranston's struggles came from being out of position defensively leading to foul trouble.

Expectations for '09-'10: Cranston will play a huge role on a team that is relatively thin inside. Consistency is the key, though, as Andy Kennedy has made it a point to say that "JUCO transfers make the biggest jump from year one to year two." If Cranston makes that jump, the Rebels will compete for an SEC West title.

Rebel Basketball Preview- Will Bogan

Much in the same vein that the Clarion Ledger's David Brandt is doing, we'll take a look at the 2009-2010 Rebels individually.

To kick things off, here's sophomore guard Will Bogan.

Photo via OleMissSports.com

Strengths: The fact that Bogan was forced into a heavy role last season only helps him going forward. To his credit, he improved over the season which was evident by his 16 points and 7 assists in 34 minutes played on March 4th at Arkansas. He has some quickness and ball handling skills that could afford him some playing time this season.

Weaknesses: For me, it's clearly Bogan's lack of confidence that hurt him last season. I can't really blame him, though, as he was put in a situation that Andy Kennedy never imagined going into the season. Many times it seemed like the offense would go into a tailspin when Bogan was running the point as many teams would pressure him by the time he got to half court which led to poor execution offensively.

Expectations for '09-'10: I can't see Bogan playing a whole hell of a lot due to the sheer fact that there are three guys who have seen time at point guard on the roster in front of him. He may see some time at the end of the half to spell guys like Chris Warren and Terrico White. Outside of that, we shouldn't expect a whole lot out of Bogan this season.

Week 9 SEC Power Poll Ballot

1. Florida
- Given Saturday's showing in Jacksonville, I can't help but leave the Gators at the top. No one's knocked them off their pedestal, yet.

2. Alabama
- Damn good team. Arguably the most complete team in the nation.

3. LSU
- Still not sold on this team. I've still been underwhelmed by Jordan Jefferson. I haven't heard much from Charles Scott this season.

4. South Carolina
- Tough loss to Tennessee. I really think they're more talented than the Vols, but when you go to Knoxville, on Halloween, some things will work against you.

5. Ole Miss
- As disappointing as it's been, this team shows glimpses of brilliance (when McCluster has the ball) and moments of utter let down (whenever Bradley Sowell takes the field). Just like South Carolina, I think anyone would agree that Ole Miss is better than Auburn. But, in the SEC, you can't go on the road against a team who isn't as talented, on paper, and expect to waltz.

6. Tennessee
- Things have gotten a lot better for the Vols. Is that Jonathan Crompton playing quarterback? Oh yeah, Hardesty is pretty damned good.

7. Arkansas
- They've got an explosive offense, but as everyone knows, if you want to win the SEC you'll have to stop people, too.

8. Georgia
- My how the mighty have fallen. If Willie Martinez has a job after the season I'll be extremely surprised.

9. Auburn
- They played well enough to win. As bad as Ole Miss played, Auburn still let the Rebels creep back into it with long plays from Jesse Grandy and Dexter McCluster.

10. Mississippi State
- I give Dan Mullen credit. Just imagine if they had less holes to fill.

11. Kentucky
- Again, no one talks about Wildcat football. Rich Brooks traditionally does more with less. However, this year he may have the weakest crop of talent that he's had in a while.

12. Vanderbilt
- Played Georgia Tech well, for a half.