Daeshun Ruffin, the former Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year, has decided to take a break from basketball so he can spend more time rehabilitating his injuries. In his two years at Ole Miss, the star point guard has suffered numerous injuries that have kept him out of play for extended periods, and he believes it is time to put his health and future first.
Despite this leave of absence, Ruffin states that he is not leaving the team for good and that he is excited about returning sometime in the future.
As an Ole Miss Rebel, Ruffin averaged 11.3 points and 3.3 assists per game in 25 games played, less than half of the 55 basketball games the Rebels played last season and so far this season.
Ruffin’s first major injury dates back to Feb. 1, 2022, when he tore his right ACL. He rehabbed for the remainder of last season and the whole offseason.
Ruffin played in Ole Miss’ exhibition game against West Georgia at the start of this season, but he was ruled out for the season opener the next day with a bone bruise.
In his statement, Ruffin said, “This decision is me simply putting myself and my future first, alongside my family.”
Ruffin also said, “I look forward to being back with my Ole Miss teammates in the future and giving them and you the very best version of me.”
Ruffin has consistently sacrificed his body to compete for Ole Miss, so now it is Rebel nation’s turn to have his back.