Ole Miss has had a tough month

This season didn't exactly go as well as many hoped for Ole Miss, but things looked fairly promising for next season.

Their talented back court of Chris Warren, Terrico White, and Eniel Polynice all had eligibility remaining. In fact, the Rebels were scheduled to return their top eight scorers from last season, with 6'9" DeAundre Cranston -- who started 21 games -- the only senior on the roster in 2010. They also got news that leading scorer Warren would not be putting his name in the NBA Draft pool.

Chris Warren looks to be the only starter that is returning for Ole Miss.
(photo credit: GulfLive)

Things were looking promising in Starkville.

But that is when the defections started.

First, it was Eniel Polynice. Polynice was a junior in terms of eligibility, but as a result of redshirting his first season at Ole Miss, Polynice will graduate at the end of this semester and decided to pursue a professional career. Polynice didn't travel the smoothest path at Ole Miss. He was one of three players that missed the 2008-2009 season due to injury, and this season he saw his numbers drop across the board. He seemed to be permanently in Andy Kennedy's dog house, as well. He was benched for the first half of a game early in the season and was suspended for the finale at Arkansas before coming off the bench during the postseason.

Polynice will likely go undrafted.

Next in line was Murphy Holloway. The third leading scorer, leading rebounder, and most consistent post presence for the Rebels, Holloway has decided to transfer for to a school closer to his South Carolina home to help raise his daughter.

"This is a very difficult decision for me," Holloway said in a statement. "I've had a great two years here at Ole Miss. I'm sad to be leaving my Ole Miss family here, but I have to be a mature adult and take responsibility for my daughter and my family in South Carolina."

He's looking at Clemson, South Carolina, College of Charleston, and Winthrop, although Ole Miss may not allow him to transfer to the Gamecocks.

Its impossible to bash Holloway on this decision, but there is no question that it is going to hurt Ole Miss next season. With the graduation of Cranston, the Rebels are left with just Terrance Henry and Reggie Buckner in their front court, and Henry is more comfortable playing on the perimeter.

The latest blow comes in the form of Terrico White. White declared for the NBA Draft a while back, but has yet to sign an agent. He's an intriguing prospect, an athletic and strong 6'5" guard that has shown the ability to play both back court spots, but right now it appears he's in that group of players that could go in the 20-45 range.

There was hope that White could return to school for his junior season, but according to Draft Express, that isn't likely. Via Twitter:

Ole Miss sophomore Terrico White will stay in the NBA draft, a source close to the situation tells DraftExpress.

All told, Ole Miss looks like they are going to lose three of their top five scorers and four starters.

That isn't easy to overcome.