AJ Storr’s path to Ole Miss tells a story of constant movement with four schools in four years. While some fans question the pattern, Rebels HC Chris Beard sees something different. For him, every transfer had a reason, and this final stop offers Storr the chance to rewrite how his college career will be remembered.
How Does Chris Beard Defend AJ Storr’s Transfer History?
Speaking with analyst Andy Katz, Chris Beard laid out the full context behind those moves that have raised eyebrows.
“I believe in AJ. Period,” Beard said. “His story, when I read an article without any explanation, can be misleading.”
Beard walked through each transition, explaining how external factors shaped Storr’s journey rather than personal instability driving the decisions.
“One of his high school transfers was because of COVID. Another high school transfer was when the program actually shut down,” Beard explained. “His senior year, AJ had a chance to go to a national-name high school, which most kids do.”
The college moves followed a similar pattern of circumstances beyond Storr’s control. His college career began with promise at St. John’s before its firing of head coach Mike Anderson altered his trajectory.
“In high school, as you remember, Andy, he got hooked up with Mike at St. John’s and had a really good start to his career,” Beard said. “Then there was a coaching change.”
Wisconsin became Storr’s breakout stage, where his talent truly emerged. “I think his success in Wisconsin brought a lot of attention,” Beard noted.
When Kansas came calling, Beard understood why any player would make that move. “It’s hard to tell somebody not to transfer to Kansas when Bill Self is courting you. I would argue he’s had success all along the way.”
Why Does Chris Beard See Ole Miss As AJ Storr’s Fresh Start?
For Beard, Ole Miss represents more than just another destination in Storr’s college tour. This move offers something the previous transfers couldn’t — complete control over how his college story ends.
“I think it’s a reset for AJ,” Beard said. “That’s not a secret. Everybody knows that. We embrace that. I believe in him. I think he’s a character guy. I think he’s got a lot of talent. Most important to me right now, different than when we recruited AJ in the past, I believe he has a chip on his shoulder.”
That chip on his shoulder could be exactly what Storr needs. After experiencing coaching changes, rotation battles, and constant questions about his commitment, he finally has the opportunity to shape his own narrative.
“I think he has the ability in the stage here to set his own narrative and finish the final chapters of his college career, and I’m confident he’ll do so.”
What Has AJ Storr’s College Journey Actually Looked Like?
Beyond the transfer headlines, Storr’s college career shows flashes of serious talent mixed with challenging circumstances that derailed momentum.
His journey began at St. John’s in 2022, where he averaged 8.8 points and earned Big East All-Freshman honors. The foundation was there, but coaching changes disrupted the progress.
Wisconsin became his breakout stage, where Storr averaged 16.8 points per game and earned All-Big Ten Second Team recognition. He also starred in the Big Ten Tournament, posting 22.5 points per game, including a 30-point performance against Northwestern that announced his arrival as a legitimate scorer.
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After testing NBA Draft waters, Storr transferred to Kansas for his junior season. However, he struggled to find consistent rhythm and playing time in Bill Self’s veteran-heavy rotation, averaging just 6.1 points in slightly over 15 minutes per game.
Now at Ole Miss, Storr finds himself at his fourth program in as many years. The pattern looks concerning on paper, but the context reveals a player who has adapted to circumstances rather than running from challenges.
With Beard’s full support and a stage set for his final college chapter, Storr has one last opportunity to define his legacy on his own terms.