In one of the more intriguing recruiting decisions of the offseason, 6-foot-5, 280-pound guard Lamar Wilkerson has committed to Ole Miss Basketball, choosing the Rebels over blue-blood programs including the Kentucky Wildcats. The commitment marks a major victory for head coach Chris Beard, as he continues to reshape and reenergize the Rebels’ program with a focus on physicality, versatility, and grit.
Wilkerson, a dynamic and uniquely built guard, turned heads throughout the recruiting cycle with his rare combination of size, power, and skill. Despite his bulky frame, he moves with surprising quickness and agility, creating mismatches all over the court. Able to play either guard spot or shift to the wing, Wilkerson brings an edge and intensity that aligns perfectly with Beard’s system.
“I wanted to go somewhere that embraced who I am as a player,” Wilkerson said in his commitment statement. “Coach Beard made it clear that Ole Miss was ready to let me be me — physical, aggressive, and fearless. I love the SEC atmosphere, and I can’t wait to bring something different to Oxford.”
Wilkerson had offers from across the country, but his decision ultimately came down to Ole Miss and Kentucky. While the Wildcats have long been known for their NBA pipeline and spotlight appeal, Wilkerson was drawn to Beard’s player-first culture and the chance to be a foundational piece of a program on the rise.
At 280 pounds, Wilkerson’s size is typically seen in forwards or centers, but he defies the mold. He’s capable of leading the break, taking defenders off the dribble, and defending multiple positions. In his final year of high school ball, he averaged 23.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His court vision, strength finishing through contact, and defensive presence made him one of the most talked-about players in the 2025 class.
“He’s a freight train with finesse,” one scout from 247Sports said. “You don’t see many guards built like him — he’ll back you down, bully you in the paint, but then hit a step-back three or thread a pass with perfect timing. He’s not just big — he’s skilled and smart.”
For Ole Miss, Wilkerson brings much-needed toughness and a leader’s mentality to a team that has been steadily improving under Beard. His physicality will be a major asset in SEC play, where size and strength are crucial, especially against elite programs like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Auburn. His ability to absorb contact and still score at will is expected to make him one of the more difficult matchups in the league.
Chris Beard made a splash when he took over in Oxford, and Wilkerson’s commitment signals that top-tier recruits are buying into his vision. “Lamar fits exactly what we want,” Beard said in a statement. “He’s fearless, he’s physical, and he plays with heart. We’re building something special here, and guys like Lamar are the foundation.”
Kentucky fans, meanwhile, will be left wondering what could have been. The Wildcats were in heavy pursuit and made a strong push late in the process. But in the end, Wilkerson’s desire for a unique role and to be a key figure in a rising program tilted the scales in favor of the Rebels.
As Ole Miss continues to climb the SEC ladder, the addition of a physically dominant and highly skilled player like Lamar Wilkerson gives the Rebels a new weapon — and perhaps one of the most memorable players in recent school history. His arrival is not only a win in recruiting but a statement that Ole Miss basketball is no longer just competing — it’s ready to lead.