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Family Business: Al and Patton Pinkins finally share the same sideline at Ole Miss

Al and Patton Pinkins are finally on the same team.

Al was two states away during Patton’s senior season at Frenship (Texas) High School. Patton averaged 27 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He led the program to its first regional final in history, shooting nearly 56 percent from the floor and 42 percent from 3.

Al was in the second season of his second turn as an assistant for Ole Miss basketball. The Rebels won 24 games and matched the program’s greatest single-season accomplishment by reaching the Sweet 16.

Patton was around the run as much as he could be. He was seated for the entire NCAA Tournament. But now he gets to actually lend a hand.

Patton was one of three Top 100 recruits signed in the 2025 class.

Forwards Niko Bundalo and Tylis Jordan were ranked the highest, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Bundalo was No. 30 in the country, while Jordan was No. 47. Pinkins, a guard, was No. 83.

“He’s been my coach, my trainer, however you want to call it, my whole life,” Patton told Rebel Grove. “But this is the biggest level, biggest stage [and] we’re both on the same team. It’s been great. My family is super stoked about it. A lot of expectations for both of us, but we’re just happy that we’re here together and I can compete at the highest level with him.

“He always taught me how to play the game the right way ever since I was little. I got to see a bunch of practices and how he coached other guys. He coached me the same way. Even if I wasn’t a son, like, coaching me hard and getting on me when I need it.”

Al reunited with Chris Beard at Ole Miss in March of 2023.

He also served as an assistant under Beard at Texas Tech. His other stops included Florida, LSU, Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State.

“My dad being here with Andy Kennedy and I was also here last summer around some of the guys,” Patton said of his long-time history with the Rebels. “Around the weight room, training room, practice and stuff like that. Kind of getting a little sneak peek, little cheat sheet on what I was going to get this year was super cool.

“I’m blessed to have a dad that’s been around the game for so long. That’s been at different universities. To pick his brain and stuff like that is great, but I’m glad I ended up here and we’re both here together.”

Patton could carve out a role in his debut Ole Miss season. However, the Rebels will again rely heavily on transfers. Patton is competing with, among others, Travis Perry (Kentucky), Koren Johnson (Louisville) and Kezza Giffa (High Point) for minutes.

“As a freshman it’s making me better to go against guys that have had experience in college basketball for three, four years,” Pinkins said. “Maybe even five. You know how it is with the transfer portal now. We stat everything from rebounds, assists, turnovers. Got to bring your ‘A’ game. Dudes have experience.

“But that’s going to help me. It’s helped me this summer and throughout the fall coming up just to be the best player I can be going against other great players. That will help me improve my game.”

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