Talented but mercurial big man Malik Dia has chosen his third school in three years. After playing at Vanderbilt and Belmont for one season each, Dia announced he’s transferring to Mississippi.

Dia was a key player for Belmont, averaging 16.9 points per game and 5.8 rebounds. However, he was only able to log 23.2 minutes per game and had a team-leading 89 turnovers compared to 39 assists.

He’s athletic ability and deft shooting touch (48.8 percent) will assure he’ll get playing time at Mississippi. If he smoothed out the rough parts of his game, he has all-league potential.

Mississippi’s Chris Beard had an excellent first season in Oxford as his team started 13-0 and was nationally ranked. The Rebels slumped in the second half and finished 20-9, but only have three players in the portal. Adding Dia, gives Beard a deeper roster than should have another successful season.

Meanwhile, Belmont lost Dia and its other two top scorers, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Cade Tyson to the portal plus sub Kyler Vanderjagt. The only two players returning who saw significant playing time are guard Isaiah Walker and big man Brigham Rodgers.

The Bruins did add transfer guards Carter Whitt (Furman) and Brody Peebles (Liberty), but coach Casey Alexander still needs to add to his roster to be competitive in the Missouri Valley.