Signature: 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
For Immediate Release
Breaking News: Dasear Haskins Stuns College Basketball World, Commits to Ole Miss Over North Carolina
OXFORD, Miss. – April 27, 2026 – In a stunning turn of events that has reshaped the landscape of the Southeastern Conference, former Saint Joseph’s standout Dasear Haskins has officially announced his commitment to the Ole Miss Rebels . The news comes as a significant upset to the recruiting world, as Haskins was widely expected to commit to the North Carolina Tar Heels, a powerhouse program that had been heavily linked to the coveted transfer portal prospect.
The 6-foot-8, 200-pound wing from Willingboro, New Jersey, made his decision public on Monday, choosing Chris Beard’s Rebels over a host of high-major suitors . Haskins, who entered the transfer portal on April 7, 2026, wasted little time finding his new home, citing a strong relationship with the coaching staff and the opportunity to compete immediately in the SEC as key factors in his decision .
This is a monumental get for the Rebels, who have aggressively revamped their roster through the transfer portal this offseason. Haskins is projected to slide in as a critical component of the Rebels’ backcourt, bringing elite positional size and a scoring punch that will be felt immediately in Oxford .
A Seasoned Scorer Arrives in Oxford
For those who followed the Atlantic 10 last season, Haskins’ decision to leave for a Power Five school was inevitable. During his breakout redshirt-sophomore campaign in 2025-26, Haskins started all 36 games for the Hawks, averaging 11.1 points and a team-leading 6.4 rebounds per game . He shot an efficient 48% from the field while demonstrating a versatile inside-out game that made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the conference .
Haskins’ ability to score in a variety of ways was on full display throughout the season. He showcased his range by connecting from deep, but his athleticism allowed him to finish at the rim, evidenced by his frequent highlight-reel dunks . He recorded 22 games with 10 or more points, including four double-doubles, proving his consistency against high-level competition . His performance in the NIT against Cal, where he posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, further cemented his status as a high-major talent .
“My coaches and teammates instill a lot of confidence in me, and I trust in my work,” Haskins said during his time at St. Joseph’s, a sentiment that now applies to his new chapter in the SEC . Former teammate Erik Reynolds II praised Haskins’ playmaking ability, noting, “Dasear is a very dynamic playmaker… He really shows that he can also shoot the ball really well, too” .
Why Not UNC? The Breakdown
While the rumor mill had Haskins headed to Chapel Hill to don the Carolina Blue, the Rebels’ persistence ultimately paid off. Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard and his staff have prioritized versatility and length in their portal recruiting, and Haskins fits that mold perfectly .
For Beard, who has consistently emphasized a defensive identity and a culture of player development, Haskins represents a high-floor, high-ceiling addition. The SEC, which has become a gauntlet of NBA-caliber talent, requires depth and athleticism, both of which Haskins provides in spades. As noted in post-season analysis, Haskins is projected as an immediate rotation player who could be a game-changer for the Rebels in their quest to climb the SEC standings .
Reshaping the Roster
Haskins joins a stacked Ole Miss transfer class that includes the likes of Christian Brown (James Madison), ND Okafor (Washington State), Roman Siulepa (Pittsburgh), and point guard Adam Clark (Seton Hall) . This influx of talent signals Beard’s clear intention to compete not just in the SEC but on a national stage.
The addition of Haskins gives the Rebels a versatile weapon who can play on the wing or slide to the forward position in smaller lineups. His ability to rebound—he ranked seventh in the A-10 in rebounding—will be a massive boost to a Rebel squad looking to get out in transition and create extra possessions .
Reaction from the College Basketball World
News of the commitment sent shockwaves through social media, with analysts praising Ole Miss’s recruiting strategy. Landing a player of Haskins’ caliber at a position of need gives the Rebels one of the most formidable transfer hauls in the nation this cycle.
For North Carolina, the miss is a significant blow. The Tar Heels were reportedly in need of wing depth and scoring, and Haskins was viewed as a potential Day 1 starter. His decision to go south instead of to Tobacco Road will likely force UNC to pivot quickly to other targets in the portal.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, all eyes will be on Oxford to see how Haskins integrates into the Rebel system. If his performance at Saint Joseph’s is any indication, the SEC is about to welcome a new star.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
