Antonio Morales

The Clarion-Ledger

OXFORD — Ole Miss lost its biggest front court presence last week when center Sebastian Saiz's collegiate career came to an end in an NIT loss to Georgia Tech.

So it comes as no surprise the Rebels tried to beef up their front court this recruiting cycle. They were successful in their efforts Monday afternoon when Jones County Junior College power forward Bruce Stevens verbally committed to play at Ole Miss this fall.

Stevens, who also received offers from Georgetown and Tennessee State, is 6-foot-8 and 257 pounds. He averaged 16.2 points and 11.6 rebounds as a sophomore with the Bobcats. He shot 51.9 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from 3, which, if it translates, could help the Rebels space the floor next season.

"He's a definite knockdown shooter," Jones County coach Rahim Lockhart said. "With his size, he's going to be able to cause problems on the offensive end because his (range), so you'll need a quicker player to cover the floor. He also has the size to take advantage of a non-traditional four."

Stevens isn't rated by the 247 Sports composite. JUCOrecruiting.com labeled him as the No. 6 2017 junior college prospect.

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Ole Miss was never able to find consistent offensive production out of the power forward spot last season. Justas Furmanavicius, who is 6-foot-7, kind of falls in between a small forward and a power forward and Marcanvis Hymon averaged just 3.5 points and never took more than five shots in a game.

The lack of scoring at the position hurt because it allowed opponents to double team Saiz, who won the 2017 C Spire Howell Trophy for most outstanding men's college basketball player in Mississippi, without much consequence.

"They just don't guard our (power forwards) at all and I don't know why you would," Andy Kennedy said after a loss to Alabama this season. "When we do catch it, it's very hard to make an open shot."

If the transition goes smoothly, Stevens could add more scoring ability, rebounding and physicality to the position.

Stevens helped lead Bay Springs to an MHSAA Class 2A state title in 2015.

Lockhart said Stevens came to him at 290 pounds when he was a freshmen and his weight will be a point of emphasis moving forward.

"To be a force on the next level, he's going to have to run the floor and be able to defend quicker four men on the other end," Lockhart said. "He's a naturally big kid. In the summertime, I look for coach Kennedy and his staff to get him under 250."

The Rebels signed three high school players in November, including four-star guard Devontae Shuler, who attends Oak Hill Academy. Ole Miss also brought on two three-star prospects in small forward Jamarko Pickett and shooting guard Parker Stewart.

Contact Antonio Morales at 601-961-7117 or amorales2@gannett.com . Follow on Twitter .