Murphy Holloway earned the SEC player of the week honor on Monday because of his play on the court not because of his headlines off the court.

But with anxious moments involved in his transfer back to Ole Miss, not knowing until just before the season started that he would be eligible to play, he's pleased that his fast start has been recognized.

“I've been through so much in the last year, so I guess it's a good accomplishment,” he said.

The Rebels will need Holloway's consistency for their first two true road games this week: at DePaul Thursday and at Penn State Sunday.

Starting center Reggie Buckner sat out the 64-61 OT win against Miami with a bruised knee. He's expected to practice today and could play against DePaul. However, the style of the DePaul game could limit Buckner's minutes, Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy said, noting that getting up and down the floor involves being in a rhythm that is sometimes hard to acquire when you've been out of practice.

The Rebels (5-1) have responded to a big loss to Marquette with a couple of quality wins and would like to keep building confidence.

“It's a real important week. It could be two big wins in two big conferences. I think we have a group of guys who will stick together in a hostile environment.”

That will be important against a DePaul team will pressure the Rebels' young backcourt with starting point guard Jarvis Summers, a true freshman. It's not just that DePaul will press the Rebels. They press everybody.

“They will press 40 minutes if they see you can't handle it. We have a problem with turnovers sometimes, and we have to take care of the ball.”

Holloway was not on the Ole Miss team that lost in the NIT second round at Clemson nor the Ole Miss team that defeated then-No. 15 Clemson 85-82 in Puerto Rico the following year. Clemson was coached then by current DePaul coach Oliver Purnell.

“I know him because I'm from South Carolina, and I know he's known for that press attack,” Holloway said.