The first four games (that don’t count) of the Kermit Davis era for Ole Miss basketball will be played north of the border.
An announcement from Ole Miss Athletics states that the Rebels will travel to Canada for four preseason games in early August. The NCAA allows basketball teams to take an international trip every four years, and Davis is taking advantage of the opportunity.
“We are looking forward to our foreign trip to Canada in early August,” said Davis. “The 10 extra days of practice this summer will be very beneficial for our team. We play four games on opposing teams’ floors that will also be good for our team’s progress. Global Sports has done an outstanding job with these tours for years, and we look forward to a fantastic learning experience for our players and staff.”
The Rebels will take on four Canadian squads while on their trip, and they’ll start out in Montreal before heading to Ottawa. Ole Miss Basketball released the schedule for their trip:
2018 Ole Miss Canadian Tour Schedule (All times CT)
Aug. 5 vs. McGill University in Montreal, 2 p.m.
Aug. 6 vs. Concordia University in Montreal, 6 p.m.
Aug. 8 vs. Carleton University in Ottawa, 6 p.m.
Aug. 9 vs. University of Ottawa in Ottawa, 6 p.m.
They also included some information on their Canadian counterparts.
“McGill is coming off a 26-12 season that resulted in a RSEQ Championship and a berth in the U SPORTS Final 8 national championship.
One night after kicking off the tour against McGill, the Rebels will remain in Montreal for a contest versus Concordia University (Aug. 6). The Stingers posted a 19-13 record last year, falling to McGill in the RSEQ Championship game.
Carleton University, one of Canada’s best teams, will host the Rebels in the Ravens’ Nest (Aug. 8). Last season, Carleton used a 26-point victory over Ryerson to capture its 13th Wilson Cup, the Ontario University Athletics (OAU) conference title, over the past 16 seasons. The Ravens went on to earn the bronze medal in the U SPORTS Final 8, defeating McGill.
The Rebels will conclude the Canadian Tour in the nation’s capital city against the University of Ottawa. The finale is slated for a 6 p.m. CT tip Aug. 9 from Montpetit Hall. Ottawa has found success against American teams over the past two seasons, posting a 5-3 record. Like McGill, the Gee-Gees will also battle Cincinnati, South Dakota State and Vermont.”
Ole Miss will welcome seven players back from last year’s team including senior Terence Davis, who tested the waters of the NBA before deciding to return. Davis will lead the Rebel squad aiming to bounce back from a tough 2017-18 season.
