Latest news with #MalikDia
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ole Miss Basketball Makes 2025-26 Announcement
Ole Miss Basketball Makes 2025-26 Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Coming off a thrilling Sweet 16 run last season, the Ole Miss Rebels have officially announced their roster for the 2025-2026 season. Advertisement The Rebels' squad will showcase a blend of four returning players, eight transfers and four talented freshmen. Two of the Rebels return to the court with unique routes. Zach Day, who was signed as a true freshman the previous season, took a redshirt to focus on development and adjust to the college level. Max Smith, a senior guard, returns after missing all of last season due to injury, despite turning heads with a promising preseason camp. Ole Miss Basketball head coach Chris Davis-Imagn Images Forward Malik Dia will be returning as well. He was one of the Rebels' most consistent contributors last season. Dia averaged 10.8 points in just 20.8 minutes per game across all 36 games, as well as being the team's glass cleaner, posting a team-high 5.7 rebounds per game. Advertisement This year's transfer class consists of eight players, including proven scorers, versatile defenders and experienced big men highlighted by Corey Chest, AJ Story and Kezza Giffa. Ole Miss made a major splash on the recruiting class, landing three ESPN Top 100 players: forward Niko Bundle, forward Tylis Jordan and guard Patton Pinkins, indicating a clear investment in the program's future. After coming up just short in a 73-70 Sweet 16 loss to Michigan State, third-year head coach Chris Beard enters the new season with a reloaded roster and unfinished business. Even with key departures like John Bol, TJ Caldwell and Robert Cowherd, the Rebels' revamped roster has all the tools necessary to make a return trip to March Madness. Related: 5-Star LSU Wide Receiver Commit Sends Strong Ole Miss Message This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Ole Miss basketball forward Malik Dia said he is returning to Rebels next season
Why Ole Miss basketball forward Malik Dia said he is returning to Rebels next season OXFORD — Malik Dia says Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard changed his life. Now they are teaming up for another season. Dia, who was a key part of the Rebels' run to the Sweet 16, announced Sunday night that he will return for his senior season. Advertisement "We have unfinished business," he said in a social media statement. "This team, this program and Rebel Nation deserve a shot at a national championship, and I believe we have what it takes to make that dream a reality." Dia, a 6-foot-9 forward, led the team in rebounding (5.7 per game) in 2024-25. Retaining him is a big win for Ole Miss: Of its six players who averaged at least 10 points per game, Dia is the one with eligibility. The Rebels are bringing in LSU forward transfer Corey Chest, who should help Dia in rebounding next season. More: How Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard has changed Malik Dia's life Advertisement Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@ or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss basketball forward Malik Dia announces return
USA Today
29-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ole Miss basketball's Sean Pedulla, Malik Dia gave it everything in loss to Michigan State
Ole Miss basketball's Sean Pedulla, Malik Dia gave it everything in loss to Michigan State Show Caption Hide Caption Should the NCAA transfer portal open before the end of March Madness? Rick Pitino, John Calipari and even J.J. Watt sound off on the transfer portal opening during the NCAA Tournament. Sports Seriously ATLANTA — The Ole Miss men's basketball team fell just short of its first Elite Eight appearance in school history. Despite a 73-70 loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Friday, senior guard Sean Pedulla and junior forward Malik Dia had stellar evenings, pouring in 24 and 11 points, respectively. Malik Dia stats vs. Michigan State Dia was a force underneath the basket, punishing the interior and forcing Michigan State to step up on every shot. He sent State Farm Arena into a frenzy on the first play of the second half with a monster alley-oop. He finished 4-of-11 shooting, grabbed 4 boards and added a block 'We built something special here,' Dia said with tears in his eyes following the game. 'All of us being together, that's why I love this team. We set out a goal at the beginning of the year that we're just gonna do something special.' Sean Pedulla stats, highlights vs. Michigan State Pedulla shot 44% from behind the arc — accounting for nearly half of the Rebels' 3-pointers. He consistently stretched the floor, finding shooters on the wing on numerous occasions — including Dia from the top of the key at one point — and converted tough finishes in the paint. Even so, the Rebels' push was not enough as Michigan State stormed back down the stretch, taking its first lead with less than 8 minutes remaining. Ole Miss finished at 33.3% from 3-point range after going 1-for-10 from the field in a second-half stretch. Pedulla drilled a couple of 3-pointers to tie the score late, but it wasn't enough, as Michigan State sealed the game with free throws. 'We did everything we had to do,' Pedulla said. 'I wish I could have given more.' Both players still have eligibility remaining, so Ole Miss could return two key starters for next season. The Spartans will face the winner of top-seeded Auburn and fifth-seeded Michigan. Andy Mathis is a student in the University of Georgia's Sports Media Certificate program.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best social media reactions to Michigan State basketball Sweet Sixteen win over Ole Miss
Michigan State basketball has done it again. After yet another slow start, the Spartans were able to lock in and pull ahead for another NCAA Tournament win over a tough Ole Miss squad. It was definitely not an easy win, and fans were understandably anxious throughout the game, with Ole Miss holding a lead for the majority of the game with their tough defense and the strong play of Sean Pedulla, Malik Dia, and Matthew Murrell, so it was almost pure ecstasy on social media after the game as MSU fans watched their team pull ahead in the final minutes and ultimately take home the win, 73 to 70. Advertisement As Spartan fans turned to watch the outcome of Michigan and Auburn to find out which team they will be facing next, social media was going crazy celebrating yet another win in this improbable season for the Spartans. You can see the best reactions to the win below: Rocket Watts Magic Johnson No Context College Basketball Michigan State basketball @Spartyon70 Matt Sheehan Dan Wetzel Kay Adams Justin Thind Chris Vannini Shot of Michigan Sports The Izzone Cam Ward John Fanta Basketball Jones David Harns Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster. This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Best reactions to Michigan State's Sweet Sixteen win over Ole Miss
USA Today
29-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Best social media reactions to Michigan State basketball Sweet Sixteen win over Ole Miss
Best social media reactions to Michigan State basketball Sweet Sixteen win over Ole Miss Michigan State basketball has done it again. After yet another slow start, the Spartans were able to lock in and pull ahead for another NCAA Tournament win over a tough Ole Miss squad. It was definitely not an easy win, and fans were understandably anxious throughout the game, with Ole Miss holding a lead for the majority of the game with their tough defense and the strong play of Sean Pedulla, Malik Dia, and Matthew Murrell, so it was almost pure ecstasy on social media after the game as MSU fans watched their team pull ahead in the final minutes and ultimately take home the win, 73 to 70. As Spartan fans turned to watch the outcome of Michigan and Auburn to find out which team they will be facing next, social media was going crazy celebrating yet another win in this improbable season for the Spartans. You can see the best reactions to the win below: Rocket Watts Magic Johnson No Context College Basketball Michigan State basketball @Spartyon70 Matt Sheehan Dan Wetzel Kay Adams Justin Thind Chris Vannini Shot of Michigan Sports The Izzone Cam Ward John Fanta Basketball Jones David Harns Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.
