Aussie Guard Brings Down Under Flair to Oxford
Ole Miss men’s basketball coach Chris Beard continues his trend of international recruitment by landing Australian guard Ben Henshall. Henshall, 6’5″ from Perth Wildcats, played three professional seasons before attending the NBA combine and withdrawing. He averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last year, shooting 30.9% from three. A gold-medalist at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, he excelled in high-pressure games and showcased versatility on both ends. Beard values his size, defensive chops, and basketball IQ, envisioning Henshall as a key starter alongside Illias Kamardine and Patton Pinkins to revitalize a disappointing 2025–26 campaign.
Rebels fans, prepare to welcome your new kangaroo-in-chief—because nothing says “March Madness contender” like adding an Aussie guard who hops better than your average lottery pick. Beard’s strategy of importing international talent is starting to feel like he’s opening an Oz-themed gift shop in Oxford. Forget one-and-done freshmen; here comes a guy who can teach everyone the proper way to say “G’day” while knocking down threes. Rumor has it he’ll also referee intramural games to fill out his eligibility and bring a Down Under mic drop to halftime shows.
Lefty Carey Bolsters Rebel Bullpen Depth
Ole Miss baseball secured its eighth transfer-portal pitcher, signing Sacramento State reliever Sean Carey for the upcoming season. Carey, with one year of eligibility, appeared in 25 relief outings in 2026, posting a 4.57 ERA, two saves, 64 strikeouts, and a .187 opponent batting average. He earned Western Conference All-Tournament honors and notched a standout win over No. 2 LSU with 2.2 hitless innings. This addition follows seven other portal arms—three starters and four relievers—as coach Mike Bianco reshapes the pitching staff ahead of the MLB Draft and offsets losses from the College World Series run.
You know things are serious when your coach has more pitchers in the transfer portal than a brewery has craft beers. Mike Bianco has assembled a Rebel relief orchestra so deep, even Beethoven would be jealous. Carey, the new lefty, might be asked to throw heat, sweep a floor, or recite Shakespeare—whatever it takes to fill a bullpen role. Next spring, opposing hitters won’t know whether to face a fastball or get therapy for existential dread. If Ole Miss ends up with 15 relievers and no starters, at least fans will get a new “Friday Relief Roundup” segment.
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