As college basketball programs across the map continue to acquire new players via the transfer portal, Ole Miss frontman Chris Beard has added a new roster member through international channels.
France native Ilias Kamardine, a 6-foot-5 guard, committed to play for the Rebels on Monday. The European hooper most recently averaged 8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game with JDA Dijon Basket — a professional team in France.
Kamardine garnered a lot of interest from professional and college coaches in the U.S. with his performance in the FIBA U20 Eurobasket in 2023. He led France to a first-place finish and was crowned MVP after averaging 14.4 points and 3.3 assists per game.
The 21-year-old is best known for his athleticism, shot creation abilities, and 6-foot-10 wingspan that makes him a viable defender just about anywhere on the floor.
Kamardine’s commitment comes one day after Ole Miss landed Butler forward Augusto Cassia from the transfer portal. Other notable portal additions to the roster thus far have been Corey Chest (LSU), AJ Storr (Kansas), and Koren Johnson (Louisville). The Rebels’ coaching staff is also working to land highly coveted guard PJ Haggerty from Memphis, among other prospects.
Beard and company have also brought in Tylis Jordan and Patton Pinkins from the high school ranks. Veteran returners to the team include Malik Dia and Eduardo Klafke. The Rebels will begin the 2025-26 campaign in November.
