OXFORD - Basketball practice begins today for the Ole Miss men's team, and it begins with a different twist.

Both the men's and women's teams have a place to play. The basketball practice facility opened in the middle of last season.

"I get to the building early, and it's a pleasure to hear those balls bouncing," Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy said.

The Rebels return only one starter, senior point guard Chris Warren, but return four other players with significant game experience.

Kennedy calls Warren and senior guard Zach Graham the team's leaders.

Ole Miss will look for a quick impact from a number of newcomers including guard-forward Nick Williams, a transfer from the University of Indiana, and freshman center Demarco Cox.

The Rebels open the season at home Nov. 12 against Arkansas State.

The women began practice earlier this week on Tuesday. An NCAA rule change allows women's teams to begin work 40 days before their first games. They still are allowed only 30 workouts over that time frame.

Renee Lander's team has six returning players but only two - guard Kayla Melson and center Nikki Byrd - have significant experience.

Among the newcomers is walk-on guard Maggie McFerrin of Tupelo.

The Rebels open the regular season Nov. 12-13 in the Inn of Ole Miss Classic, a field that includes Jackson State, Southeast Missouri State and Sam Houston State.

First game

Arkansas State, Oxford, Nov. 12