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Chris Beard Makes Bold NBA Prediction for Ole Miss Players

The Ole Miss men's basketball program reached new heights during the 2024-25 season with coach Chris Beard at the helm. For the first time in over two decades, the team advanced to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament and captivated audiences along the way.

Led by a strong senior class, the Rebels were able to earn a winning record in the SEC as well, which was no easy task considering the elite programs they faced on a weekly basis. Several of Ole Miss' best players have professional aspirations, but unfortunately, none of the team's nine seniors were invited to the NBA Combine.

Coach Beard does not believe the dream is over for players like Sean Pedulla, Matthew Murrell, Juju Murray or Jaemyn Brakefield, however. He recently spoke on Ole Miss Spirit's "Talk of Champions" podcast and made a bold prediction for his former players.

“I predict we’ll have some awesome stories as the years go on,” Beard said. “I think several of those guys will play in NBA games sooner than most people think. It’s going to be fun watching all those guys.”

Both Pedulla and Brakefield earned praise for their performances at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which is another opportunity to showcase themselves in front of professional scouts. The Rebels have only produced nine drafts pick in the last 80 years, so they are facing an uphill battle.

However, this group proved all season that they can defy the odds and achieve what nobody expects of them.

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