Tuesday Question: One of hoop aspirations and dreams

Ole Miss basketball season is hurtling toward us with the speed of light as second year coach Kermit Davis looks to repeat on last season’s NCAA tournament bid.

The first exhibition game for the Rebels comes in less than a month, and the first real live basketball game of the season against Arkansas State is on November 8th at 6pm CST at the Pavilion. Mark your daggum calendars for that bloodbath.

Last season was a surprise to literally everyone outside of the Ole Miss locker room as the Rebels hit the 20-win mark, received an NCAA tournament bid, and had one player end up on an NBA roster in the off season. This is probably about as good as it’s been for the program in several years.

But with the departure of do everything guard Terence Davis, there needs to be at least one player who steps up on the Ole Miss roster. So for today’s question we look at newcomers and returning players who will take that next step in their basketball career at Ole Miss.

Now we’re not necessarily focused on Breein Tyree or Devontae Shuler with this question. They are the undoubted leaders of this team, but we’re looking to see who will be the third and/or fourth player to really make a splash this year.

Which Ole Miss basketball player will have a breakout season in 2019-2020?

Personally, I’d like to see KJ Buffen grow from last season as he was surprising in his freshman season. He was a good rebounder and a solid defender at times, but he seemed to lack a lot of offensive firepower in his game and either got worn down late in the year or something wasn’t clicking. I think if KJ develops an acceptable outside shot, he’s got the quickness to be much more dangerous offensively to compliment his junkyard dog style of play on the boards and on defense.

So what’s your take on who can make his name known this season? Comment or tweet @redcuprebellion with your boiling hot takes.