The Best Ole Miss Basketball Players: Rebels Who Made History
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, has a proud basketball tradition that has seen its fair share of standout players over the years. While the Rebels may not be known as a perennial powerhouse, the program has produced some truly exceptional talent who have left their mark both in college and, for some, in the professional ranks.
From all-time leading scorers to defensive stalwarts, these players have helped shape the history of Ole Miss basketball. This list celebrates the 10 best Ole Miss basketball players of all time, highlighting their contributions, achievements, and legacies.
Table of Contents
#10: Joe Harvell (1989-1993)
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 205 lbs
Joe Harvell was a prolific scorer for Ole Miss during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and ability to score from anywhere on the court, Harvell quickly became one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).Â
He finished his career as the second-leading scorer in Ole Miss history with 2,078 points, averaging 17.3 points per game over his four-year career. Harvell was named to the All-SEC team multiple times and was a consistent offensive force for the Rebels. His scoring ability and leadership on the court made him one of the standout players in Ole Miss basketball history.
#9: Marshall Henderson (2012-2014)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 175 lbs
Marshall Henderson was one of the most electrifying and polarizing players in Ole Miss basketball history.Â
Known for his fiery personality and deep shooting range, Henderson quickly became the face of the Rebels during his two seasons with the team. In 2013, he led Ole Miss to an SEC Tournament Championship and a memorable run in the NCAA Tournament, where his clutch shooting captured the attention of the nation.Â
Henderson averaged 19.6 points per game during his time at Ole Miss and was named the SEC Player of the Year in 2013. His ability to hit big shots and his emotional play made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the program’s history.
#8: Sean Tuohy (1978-1982)
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Sean Tuohy was the floor general for Ole Miss during the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for his exceptional playmaking and leadership. Tuohy still holds the record for the most assists in Ole Miss history, with 830 career assists.Â
His ability to control the game and make his teammates better was a key factor in the Rebels’ success during his time with the team.Â
Tuohy was named to the All-SEC team and led the Rebels to their first-ever SEC Tournament Championship in 1981. His impact on the court was matched by his leadership off it, making him one of the most respected players in the program’s history.
#7: Coolidge Ball (1972-1974)
- Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
Coolidge Ball made history as the first African American scholarship athlete at Ole Miss, breaking racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of players.Â
On the court, Ball was a dominant force, known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and versatility. He was a three-time All-SEC selection and finished his career with over 1,000 points and 700 rebounds.Â
Ball’s contributions to the program extended beyond his statistics, as his courage and excellence helped to integrate Ole Miss athletics and left a lasting legacy at the university.
#6: Murphy Holloway (2009-2013)
- Position: Power Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 240 lbs
Murphy Holloway was a dominant presence in the paint for Ole Miss, known for his rebounding, physicality, and ability to score around the basket. Holloway became the first player in school history to record over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career, finishing as the all-time leading rebounder in Ole Miss history with 1,093 rebounds.Â
His toughness and work ethic made him a fan favorite, and he was a key contributor to the Rebels’ success during his time with the team. Holloway was named to the All-SEC team and was instrumental in leading Ole Miss to an SEC Tournament Championship in 2013.
#5: Justin Reed (2001-2004)
- Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’8″, 240 lbs
Justin Reed was a versatile and skilled forward who played a crucial role in Ole Miss basketball during the early 2000s. Known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive prowess, Reed was a consistent force on both ends of the floor.Â
He finished his career as the third all-time leading scorer in Ole Miss history with 1,785 points and also grabbed 766 rebounds.
Reed was a three-time All-SEC selection and helped lead the Rebels to the NCAA Tournament in 2002. His leadership and all-around game made him one of the most complete players in the program’s history.
#4: Ansu Sesay (1994-1998)
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’9″, 225 lbs
Ansu Sesay was one of the most talented and versatile players to ever wear an Ole Miss uniform. Known for his smooth scoring ability, defensive versatility, and leadership, Sesay was a key player for the Rebels throughout the mid-1990s.Â
He finished his career as one of the top scorers in school history, with 1,428 points, and was named the SEC Player of the Year in 1998.Â
Sesay also led Ole Miss to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1997 and 1998, solidifying his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats. After his college career, Sesay went on to play in the NBA and internationally.
#3: Rahim Lockhart (1998-2001)
- Position: Power Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’8″, 250 lbs
Rahim Lockhart was a dominant force in the paint for Ole Miss during his time with the Rebels. Known for his physicality, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability, Lockhart was a key player in leading Ole Miss to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2001.Â
Lockhart finished his career with 1,160 points and 780 rebounds, earning All-SEC honors in his senior year. His toughness and leadership on the court made him one of the most respected players in Ole Miss history.
#2: Gerald Glass (1988-1990)
- Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 lbs
Gerald Glass, known as “World Class Glass,” was a prolific scorer and one of the most talented players to ever play at Ole Miss.Â
After transferring from Delta State, Glass made an immediate impact, leading the Rebels in scoring in both of his seasons with the team. He averaged an impressive 26 points per game over his two-year career at Ole Miss, finishing with 1,564 points in just 60 games.Â
Glass was a two-time All-SEC selection and led the Rebels to the NCAA Tournament in 1989, where he scored 30 points in a close loss to Georgetown. His scoring ability and athleticism made him one of the most exciting players in Ole Miss history.
#1: Johnny Neumann (1970-1971)
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
Johnny Neumann was a basketball prodigy who left an indelible mark on Ole Miss basketball during his short but spectacular college career. In the 1970-1971 season, Neumann led the nation in scoring with an astonishing 40.1 points per game, a record that still stands as the highest single-season average in SEC history.Â
His incredible scoring ability and flair on the court made him a national sensation and brought unprecedented attention to the Ole Miss basketball program. Although Neumann left college after his sophomore season to turn professional, his impact on the program was profound, and he remains the most iconic player in Ole Miss history.
Final Rankings
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