As the clock ticks down to midnight on Tuesday, the NCAA transfer portal is set to close its doors for this season. In just 15 days since its opening, an astonishing 4,850 collegiate men’s basketball players across Division I, II, and III have made their intentions known by entering the portal. This rapid influx of talent has created a dynamic landscape for teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.
Despite many top talents already off the market, there remains ample opportunity for late plays as programs scramble to finalize their lineups. One team that finds itself in a critical phase of roster construction is Ole Miss under head coach Chris Beard.
Ole Miss: A Major Rebuild in Progress
Chris Beard’s task sheet is lengthy this offseason as he embarks on a major retooling effort to get things back on track in Oxford. The Rebels are still engaged in battles for several available transfers they have hosted recently. As they await decisions from these prospects, the coaching staff is also keenly aware of other potential targets and working diligently behind the scenes.
Time is of the essence, and visits can make or break recruitment opportunities. With how quickly things can change within hoops—especially during this time—every moment counts for programs like Ole Miss looking to secure new talent.
Spotlight on De’Shayne Montgomery
One name that has emerged as a significant target for Ole Miss is Dayton transfer guard De’Shayne Montgomery. Last season, Montgomery showcased his scoring ability by averaging 13.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 49% from the field. His performance earned him Third-Team All-Atlantic 10 honors—a testament to his skill and impact on the court.
Montgomery’s junior year marked a notable leap in production compared to his sophomore campaign when he averaged just 6.5 points in limited minutes. Montgomery is no stranger to SEC play, as he spent his sophomore season down in Athens, where he saw action in 17 games for the Bulldogs. He scored double-digits on four occasions, including his Georgia-high 22 against Charleston Southern. He also tallied 12 points in SEC play against LSU on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor (2-of-3 from 3 pt.)
Prior to his time at Dayton and Georgia, he began his collegiate career at Mount St. Mary’s, where he made waves by earning MAAC Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 13.2 points along with solid contributions in rebounds and assists.
At present, per industry rankings, Montgomery is a four-star prospect and is ranked as the No. 129 overall player in the transfer portal, alongside being positioned as the No. 24 shooting guard available.
The Upcoming Visit: A Pivotal Moment?
Montgomery’s first visit will be with NC State; however, it appears that this may be his only scheduled trip thus far. Former Georgia assistant Anthony Goins was with Montgomery during his time there, and now he is with the Wolfpack, which could make it a little tougher for the Rebels. Given his proven track record of production and defensive prowess coupled with positional versatility, it’s no surprise that he has caught the attention of various programs—including Ole Miss.
The Rebels are hoping Montgomery leaves NC State uncommitted following his visit there because they are heavily interested in securing him for their roster next season. The urgency around recruiting efforts indicates how much they value what he brings to their backcourt options moving forward.
Final Thoughts
As we approach Tuesday’s deadline for transferring athletes, every decision made will resonate throughout college basketball programs nationwide—especially those like Ole Miss aiming for impactful additions like De’Shayne Montgomery.
Keep an eye out as developments unfold; you won’t want to miss any last-minute moves that could shape teams’ futures, especially here in the Sip.