Former Eurobasket MVP Ilias Kamardine finally arrived at Ole Miss in mid-August after a longer-than-expected visa clearance process.
Kamardine was the last roster piece the Rebels were waiting on. He’s also, inarguably, one of the most significant pieces added in the off-season.
“We’re obviously excited Ilias is here,” third-year Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard said. “He’s done a really good job. Obviously missed most of the summer, but he’s doing a good job playing catch-up, connecting with his teammates and kind of learning the college game.
“A lot of respect for Ilias. Experienced player, high expectations for him, but no higher than the expectations he has for himself. So, excited about this. I think he’ll be a big part of our team and our season.”
Kamardine is one of 12 new players for Ole Miss basketball this season.
The Rebels return just Malik Dia, Eduardo Klafke, Zach Day and Max Smith from the 2024-25 campaign.
Dia started all 36 games in his debut as a Rebel, posting 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He averaged 24.3 minutes in Ole Miss’ three NCAA Tournament games, including a high of 11 against Michigan State in the Sweet 16. Klafke played in all 36 games as a true freshman.
Ole Miss won 24 games.
“It’s cool,” Kamardine said of getting to know his new teammates. “I liked to meet my teammates earlier and when I was not here I watched all the practices so I could know their ability. Now I can share some time with them, so it’s cool. I think we are a special group and can do something special this year.
“Last year [the NCAA Tournament] was one of the goals and they went to the Sweet 16. I watched some games. That’s impressive. I really want to go myself.”
Kamardine, 21, has been playing for JD Dijon Basket, a professional basketball club from the city of Dijon, France. He’s a 6-foot-5 combo guard and former MVP and tournament champion at the FIBA U20 Eurobasket.
“Coach, I like his philosophy and his vision on the game,” Kamardine said, when asked why he chose Ole Miss. “I think we’re on the same page. For me, it was a simple choice.”
Kamardine declared for the 2024 NBA Draft last spring.
He averaged 12.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals the season prior, playing both guard spots for Vichey and flashing craftiness as a ball-handler.
One scout told Sports Illustrated Kamardine is a ‘true disruptor’ on the defensive side, which should fit nicely with the defensive-minded Beard. He’s a two-way guard with a handle and creative finishing.
Kamardine averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds in the EuroCup last season.
“Creator,” Kamardine said in describing his game. “I like to make the right decision, find my shooter or big man. [Beard] knows how to put the player in the right place. I like this. We established a good relationship before I came.
“I like to make the players around me better. I like to put everybody in good position.”
Kamardine didn’t know anything about Ole Miss until Beard came calling in May.
Now he’s eating Chik-fil-A and attending American football games for the first time in his life. Kamardine started playing basketball when he was 3-years-old. He also played soccer growing up.
A few of his NBA inspirations are Tyrese Halliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“To work on myself,” Kamardine said of why he made the jump to America now. “Europe is different. We don’t have the same approach. Here we work very, very hard, especially on individual skill. I think it will help me to make a big step in my career.”