OXFORD — Ole Miss basketball secured a vital win over Mississippi State on Tuesday, but the biggest story in the days after the contest didn't involve a player or coach.

Kyle Wakefield, a student manager, went viral for the enthusiasm he displayed in cleaning up a wet spot in front of the student section during the second half.

When he was finished, he waved his arms to pump up the crowd, who obliged with a roar.

Since then, Wakefield has been under the microscope. He has been the subject of several media stories, even appearing on the popular SEC Network show "Marty & McGee."

Here's what to know about Ole Miss basketball's latest phenomenon.

Wakefield has been with the Ole Miss basketball program for years

Former Ole Miss basketball coach Kermit Davis recruited Wakefield to be one of the program's managers during Wakefield's freshman year in 2020.

Originally from Katy, Texas, Wakefield's family had a connection with first-year coach Chris Beard. Wakefield's brother, Cole, worked for Beard during his time at Texas Tech. Cole is now a graduate assistant at Louisiana.

Beard has said Wakefield's enthusiasm has made a positive impact on the players on his roster.

"We’re trying to get players that have the heart and unselfishness and competitiveness and just love what they do as Wakefield does," Beard said.

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Wakefield's life has been full of challenges

Wakefield's mother, Brandi, told Rebel Grove this week that her son couldn't speak until he was 5 years old. He was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), a form of autism.

Wakefield received intensive therapy as a child to develop his language skills, continuing until he was in the eighth grade.

With the help of those investments, Wakefield, who is majoring in journalism at Ole Miss, is now an effective communicator. He sat at a podium this week for a news conference with gathered Ole Miss media and spoke from the heart.

"I'm just so thankful to be here and have a part of this great experience with my life," he said.

Wakefield says his enthusiasm for Ole Miss basketball is organic

Wakefield said this week his goal is to "impact winning" in whatever ways he can, borrowing a turn of phrase often used by Beard.

That typically means executing the numerous and often unglamorous duties belonging to student managers. Occasionally, though, he gets to shine in the spotlight like he did Tuesday against Mississippi State.

"If my job is just to fire up that crowd to win a ballgame, I’ll be the one that does it," he said.

David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What to know about Ole Miss basketball manager Kyle Wakefield