Clarion Ledger

Sam Houston guard Barnes commits to Ole Miss

- David Eckert Mississipp­i Clarion Ledger USA TODAY NETWORK

OXFORD — Davon Barnes had Ole Miss basketball on the ropes this November when he scored 22 points as the Rebels just narrowly avoided an upset scare against Sam Houston State.

Ole Miss coach Chris Beard must have liked what he saw.

Barnes, who entered the transfer portal March 23, announced his commitment to play for the Rebels via social media on Thursday afternoon.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Colliervil­le High School product averaged 13.5 points per game and 3.5 rebounds on his way to second-team All-Conference USA honors this past season.

Barnes, who played his first two collegiate seasons at Texas Southern, averaged more than 17 points in the three games he played against power conference opposition last season. He also has NCAA tournament experience, having twice appeared in March Madness while at Texas Southern.

He’ll have one season of eligibilit­y remaining.

Barnes becomes the fourth transfer portal addition for the Rebels, all of which have come in the past week.

The Rebels landed star Seton Hall guard/forward Dre Davis on Wednesday, joining a pair of mid-major stars. Belmont forward Malik Dia committed to Ole Miss on Monday, and UNCGreensb­oro forward Mikeal BrownJones pledged on Saturday. All three of those players averaged at least 15 points per game last season.

David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davidecker­t98.

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 ?? RICK OSENTOSKI/USA TODAY SPORTS ?? Former Texas Southern forward Davon Barnes dunks the ball in the first half against Fairleigh Dickinson at UD Arena in Dayton on March 15 2023.
RICK OSENTOSKI/USA TODAY SPORTS Former Texas Southern forward Davon Barnes dunks the ball in the first half against Fairleigh Dickinson at UD Arena in Dayton on March 15 2023.
 ?? PETRE THOMAS/USA TODAY SPORTS ?? Mississipp­i State wide receiver Justin Robinson runs after a catch as Mississipp­i defensive back Daijahn Anthony makes the tackle during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field on Nov. 23 in Starkville, Miss.
PETRE THOMAS/USA TODAY SPORTS Mississipp­i State wide receiver Justin Robinson runs after a catch as Mississipp­i defensive back Daijahn Anthony makes the tackle during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field on Nov. 23 in Starkville, Miss.

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