Once the embargo was lifted in mid-June, delays persisted. Despite Kamardine, a 21-year-old who most recently played professionally for JDA Dijon in his home country, committing to play for Chris Beard\u2019s Rebels back in April<\/a>, his ability to hop on a plane and join his new team during summer practices was stymied by political affairs.<\/p>\n But now, the Frenchman is in the Magnolia State, and his head coach is asserting that time is ticking to have Kamardine up to speed before the early November tipoff to the regular season.<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to taking Ilias out on the court and basically showing him how our practices are set up \u2026 trying to get him to where he\u2019s as comfortable as he can possibly be the first time he takes the floor with his teammates, so we\u2019re not wasting a lot of time,\u201d Beard told the media in July. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be more, \u2018Hey, Ilias, get in the front of the line. You know the drill.’\u201d<\/p>\n Welcome home, Ilias!#HottyToddy<\/a> x #Culture<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/igYikH0NPK<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ole Miss Men\u2019s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) August 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Beard noted that, following Kamardine\u2019s commitment to Ole Miss, the guard dedicated time to watching Rebel basketball games and other contests to not only familiarize himself with his new team but also to garner a better understanding of the rules and regulations of college basketball.<\/p>\n And now that Kamardine is on campus, Beard has pledged to a full-court press consisting of players and coaches working overtime to ensure that the latest addition to the roster is developing into a viable contributor to the team, while also growing more comfortable in his newfound home in north Mississippi.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been watching Ole Miss games and tape and video of college basketball since our very first Zoom with him last spring, when we started recruiting him. So, he\u2019s put in the time,\u201d Beard continued.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to be calculated. We\u2019re going to have to have a plan. The quicker we can get him acclimated to the [United] States, to Oxford, to his living arrangements, and things like this, [the better]. It will be a team effort. It won\u2019t just be me and Ilias. It will be our staff, and most importantly, our players.\u201d<\/p>\n The European hooper, known for his athleticism, shot creation abilities, and 6-foot-10 wingspan, averaged 8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game with JDA Dijon. He also led France to a first-place finish in the FIBA U20 Eurobasket in 2023 and was crowned MVP.<\/p>\n Rebel fans will have to familiarize themselves with a multitude of new faces, not just Kamardine, as star big man Malik Dia and young guard Eduardo Klafke are the only notable returners from Beard\u2019s historic Sweet 16 squad.<\/p>\n Dia and Klafke are currently joined by transfer additions Corey Chest (LSU), Koren Johnson (Louisville), James Scott (Louisville), AJ Storr (Kansas), Travis Perry (Kentucky), Augusto Cassia (Butler), Kezza Giffa (High Point), and Hobert Grayson (Ouachita Baptist). Freshman newcomers Tylis Jordan, Patton Pinkins, and Niko Bundalo have also earned roster spots.<\/p>\n The team\u2019s full schedule has not been released, but it is expected to be announced in the near future. For now, the conference schedule can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/customer_inspired_728x90.jpg\")
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