Chris Beard, Ole Miss players get emotional reflecting on what 2024-25 means for program

ATLANTA — Chris Beard has now led four schools to NCAA Tournament wins during his coaching career, but it did not take the path he expected. Legal troubles from a domestic dispute cost him a dream job and left questions about his ability to return at the top of college basketball.

Then, Ole Miss gave him a second chance. Beard took over an SEC program looking to find a spark.

After missing the NCAA Tournament in year one, Ole Miss retained key pieces from the roster and ran it back for the 2024-25 season. The moves made to complement the core paid off with a run to the Sweet 16 before bowing out against Michigan State.

A special year at Ole Miss

For Chris Beard and the Ole Miss players, it was a special journey. One where the team became more important the individual accomplishments.

“I think there’s other times to talk about individual players,” said Beard. “The thing about us, guys, is we were a team. We were a team that had five or six guys that averaged double figures. We were a team that had very little ego individually.”

Beard felt something special for the group which helped him return to the pinnacle of college basketball, where he once seemed like a lock to become a staple just a few years ago.

“The thing I’m most thankful for, really why my emotions are different right now than at the end of any season, I’m just thankful,” Beard said after choking up. “What these guys did — what these guys did is they raised expectations, first for themselves and then the program. When we were at the Selection Sunday show in March and the name came across, it wasn’t about like we’ve made it, it was about let’s get to work. Six games in three weekends. For that, I’ll forever be thankful. I know they’re going to do that for the rest of their lives. Whatever they want, they’re going to go get.

“I’ve been blessed to coach a lot of great teams, but these guys were different. Literally we walked around expecting to win the SEC, expecting to win every game, and expecting to make it to San Antonio, and it was beautiful to be around.”

The Ole Miss players shared the emotional connection they have as a unit, and what they hope it means for the program moving forward as new players look to continue what was built during one of the best seasons in history.

“It means a lot, obviously just sticking around and seeing the growth,” Jaemyn Brakefield said. “Even off the court, in the community, just engagement in general. Oxford is a beautiful place, and I’m glad that we were able to execute.”

“Just being able to be a part of the change, it’s definitely been something special,” Matthew Murrell added. “Ole Miss wasn’t really on the national map a couple years back, and we felt like we’ve been able to grow it throughout the years. Like Coach Beard said, Ole Miss will be here to stay.”

There are no guarantees in college basketball, and this entire group comes from a variety of backgrounds. But they not stand as an example for what can happen when the common goal becomes the greatest motivator.