Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee McCuin announces latest additions after doing 'damage' in the portal

When the Ole Miss women’s basketball team saw its season end in the Sweet 16 a couple months ago head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin made a definitive statement regarding the offseason and rebuilding towards next year.

While sitting at the podium moments after the Rebels loss to Louisville McCuin said she was going to “do damage” in the transfer portal for the 2023-24 season. On Monday Ole Miss revealed what damage McCuin did by announcing the program’s latest portal additions.

Kennedy Todd-Williams, Kharyssa Richardson and KK Deans are the three newest members of the Ole Miss team. Williams and Deans were considered two of ESPN’s Top-15 available players in the transfer portal.

“Every year we focus on bringing in the right pieces into our program. This year I believe my staff and I have been intentional about doing that,” McPhee-McCuin said. “Each signee will only continue to help us on our journey to achieving our ultimate goal, which is winning a National Championship.”

Of the three portal additions two are familiar with Ole Miss as they are coming from Southeastern Conference opponents. Richardson, a sophomore guard, transfers in from Auburn while Deans, a transfer graduate, comes from Florida.

Ole Miss had needs with the departure of guards Angel Baker and Myah Taylor and McCuin worked to fill them with Williams and Deans.

Playing in all 33 games at North Carolina her junior season Williams provides length with her six-foot frame. She is averaging 10.4 points per game for her collegiate career. She was the No. 1 rated player in North Carolina Prep Girls Hoops coming out of Jacksonville High School

“Kennedy is a 2-way player that will immediately impact our roster,” McCuin said. “From our first conversation I knew that our visions aligned, and she would be a great fit. I look forward to the Oxford community embracing “Toddy” and helping her accomplish all of her goals while being here in the Sip.”

As for the two SEC players coming to Ole Miss McCuin knows what she is getting in both of them.

Richardson started in 27 games for Auburn her freshman season last year and appeared in all 28 games. She is familiar with new teammate Rita Igbokwe as the two played together for Hoop Dreams Athletic at the club team level.

She pulled down 16 rebounds against Florida and her new teammate in Deans last season. Richardson was a Georgia Class 5A All-State selection during her junior year at New Manchester in 2021.

Playing at the forward position, Richardson adds more length with at six-foot-two to go with fellow forward Madison Scott and her six-foot-one frame.

“I’m excited to welcome Kharyssa to our family,” McCuin said. “After getting to know ‘Rich’ it was made clear how much sense this move makes. From having her former teammate on the roster to her parents being born and raised in Mississippi.” Kharyssa will thrive in our program and I look forward to introducing her to the Oxford community.”

Deans is going to wrap up her collegiate career in Oxford, making the move to Ole Miss similar to how Taylor did for her final season after playing at Mississippi State.

Ranked as the No. 14 player in the portal by ESPN, Deans provides the experience and leadership factor that Taylor provided last year. She was the leading scorer for the Gators last season, averaging 14.1 points per game and made 77 shots from three-point range.

“KK is an absolutely huge pick up for us,” McCuin said. “She is a leader, a 3-level scorer, and a competitor that will play the PG position. There is no doubt in my mind that the Oxford community will embrace Kirsten”