The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The Ole Miss Rebels displayed their long term commitment to head coach Yolett McPhee McCuin and her vision for the women’s basketball programme with her second contract extension since she was named head coach in 2018.

Ole Miss vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics, Keith Carter, announced yesterday that the programme and McPhee-McCuin have agreed to a new four-year contract that runs through 2025.

“I appreciate chancellor Boyce and Keith for their belief in me and my vision. In addition, I’d like to thank Lynnette Johnson for her support, mentorship and commitment to our programme,” said McPhee-McCuin.

“When I took this opportunity three years ago, I had every intent to build this programme from the ground up. I knew it was important to hire people that I felt could bring my vision to life. My staff and I have been working tirelessly to get to the point that we’re at currently, and while we know we’ve accomplished tons, we are fully aware that there’s still more work to do. I would be remiss if I didn’t include our players who have sacrificed and overcome major adversity this season while still making history on the court, community and classroom. My vision is clear, I am motivated and my whole staff is committed.”

McPhee McCuin joined the Rebels in 2018 with expectations to rebuild a programme that struggled in recent years and was in the cellar of the Southeastern Conference.

In her first year at the helm the team finished 9-22, 3-13 in conference play and the season concluded with a first round loss in the SEC Tournament. In year two, The Rebels finished the season at 7-23 and suffered another opening round loss in the tournament. This past season Ole Miss finished the season with a record of 11-11, 4-10 in a highly competitive SEC and advanced to the first SEC Quarterfinal since 2004.

“I am asking the community of Oxford to join us in making The Pavilion the place to be for women’s basketball,” McPree-McCuin said. “This build will take everyone, and I am honoured and humbled to be the leader of this programme. There are truly no ceilings to what we can accomplish!”

Ole Miss also announced additional financial commitments to McPhee-McCuin’s staff.

As a recruiter, McPhee-McCuin welcomed the No.1 recruiting class in the SEC and No.13 class in the nation headed into the 2021 season. The class was highlighted by five-star signee Madison Scott, Snudda Collins and the addition of ESPN’s No. 1 rated transfer in 2020, Shakira Austin.

Austin became the first Rebel to earn First-Team All-SEC since 2014-15 and as a member of the Lisa Leslie Award Top-10 list in February.

Scott, the programme’s first McDonald’s All-American, came away as SEC Freshman of the Year, the first for Ole Miss since 2003-04. Both Scott and Collins were members of the SEC All-Freshmen team.

“Coach Yo has taken incredible strides in elevating Ole Miss Women’s Basketball to national contention,” Carter said. “From recruiting to style of play to the personal growth of student-athletes, she is committed to excelling in all facets of the programme, and that dedication was clear in the momentum our team established this season.

“With Yo’s energy, leadership and vision, Ole Miss is on a championship path, and we’re excited to see the journey.”

The Rebels’ run in the SEC Tournament came to an end in the Quarterfinals last week, the furthest the women’s basketball programme had advanced since 2010.

Ole Miss defeated the No. 13 Arkansas Razorbacks 69-60 in the tournament’s second round. The Rebels came up short against the No.14 Tennesee Lady Volunteers, 77-72 in the Quarterfinals.

The Rebels will now wait to hear if they were chosen by the NCAA Tournament’s selection committee as a member of the 64-team field.

Their résumé includes three wins against ranked teams and four Top-50 NET wins. It was the first time the Rebels advanced to the SEC Quarterfinals since the 2003-04 season.

Currently, the Rebels own a NET of 42, a 4-8 record against the NET Top-50 and a 3-6 record against ranked teams.

The NCAA Selection Show is slated for 7pm local time on Monday, March 15, and will be broadcast on ESPN.