The Ole Miss Rebels are kicking off their 2018-2019 basketball season by bringing back a fan favorite event prior to the season. Square Jam is set to return to the Square on Friday, Oct. 19. This will mark the fifth time Square Jam has taken place and the first after a two-year hiatus.
Instead of drawing fans into The Pavilion to whip up some preseason excitement for both the men’s and the women’s teams, the Rebels will be bringing their talents to the Square. The Rebels will suit up in front of City Hall as they look to showcase their talent for this upcoming season which begins Nov. 2 for both teams.
Highlighting Square Jam will be a three-point contest, with junior college transfer Brian Halums looking to make a splash while battling returning sharpshooters Breein Tyree and Devontae Shuler for the title.
A member of the Ole Miss basketball team dunks the ball at the 2016 Square Jam. File photo by Marlee Crawford
Square Jam will also feature a dunk contest in which Rebel fans will get a look at the high-flying abilities of future draft prospect Terence Davis, who would figure in as the presumed favorite. However, the athletic ability of freshman K.J. Buffen and sophomore Bruce Stevens should not be overlooked.
The introduction of players and coaches is set to begin at 5 p.m., and the fans will get a glimpse of both Ole Miss coaches who are beginning their first season as head coach for the Rebels.
Men’s head coach Kermit Davis has expressed his excitement for the season tip-off event. He looks to impress in his inaugural season with the Rebels.
“Square Jam is one of the coolest concepts to tip off a season in college basketball,” Davis said. “Hoops outside on the iconic Oxford Square is a fantastic combination.”
Women’s head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin shares a similar level of excitement as she is eager for Oxford to see what the women’s team has in store this season. McPhee-McCuin, like Davis, is in her first season as the head coach of the women’s program.
“I’m excited to be a part of an event that involves the community,” McPhee-McCuin said. “The people of Oxford have not only embraced me but my family, and now they will have an opportunity to do the same with these women.”
Both the men’s and women’s teams will be under the lights in and front of a crowd for the first time this season in what is sure to be an electric environment for the players, coaches and the fans.
