While Ole Miss basketball made history in the SEC on Sunday, head coach Chris Beard remains focused on a greater ambition: claiming the national championship.
After the Rebels secured a 91-79 victory over Iowa State, he articulated his vision as the leader of the program.
“This is not about me,” Beard stated via Brad Logan of 247 Sports on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s about the players. We felt the pressure and wanted to be a team to win the tournament. Plausible? No. Possible? Yeah.”
“If I didn’t believe this team could win this tournament, I wouldn’t be doing my job.”
Six other SEC teams are also vying for a chance to reach the national championship. Nonetheless, the unpredictability of March is what makes the tournament so exciting.
Ole Miss has effectively handled their business by winning two consecutive rounds. The game against North Carolina appeared closer than it was, but against the Cyclones, the Rebels performed as needed.
Advancing to the Sweet 16 likely means facing a conference rival. This prospect may add extra motivation for both the team and Beard himself.
Chris Beard envisions Ole Miss basketball triumphing
While Beard responded to critics regarding Ole Miss’s showing against North Carolina, it seems there might be few critics at this stage. They made swift work of the second round and appear fully focused on the Sweet 16.
With a 10-8 record in a competitive SEC conference, which includes two No. 1 seeds and two No. 2 seeds still in the NCAA tournament, the team has proven its mettle.
As the sixth seed, they are preparing to face the two-seeded Michigan State on Friday. The two teams possess contrasting styles, with Michigan State favoring a slower, half-court game.
In contrast, Ole Miss and Beard employ a fast-paced offensive strategy. Beard’s experience helping Texas Tech reach the Final Four in 2019 is invaluable.
He knows what it takes to reach the championship stage. He has set high expectations for himself and his team, and those aspirations are apparent.
Ultimately, establishing a strong culture and setting standards has been a crucial goal for Beard, and it is evident. His bold demeanor and unwavering focus have the Rebels thriving in the tournament.
Should they eliminate Michigan State, they would move closer to their ultimate goal. However, they may also encounter more SEC opponents along the way.
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