Oliver Miller, a beefy heart who helped Arkansas advance to the Remaining 4 earlier than taking part in 9 seasons within the NBA, has died. He was 54.
A number of of Miller’s former groups introduced his demise on Wednesday, as did the Nationwide Basketball Retired Gamers Affiliation. A reason for demise was not disclosed, however Arkansas had introduced throughout an occasion honoring its 1990 Remaining 4 group that Miller had most cancers, and Miller thanked the group for its video tribute to him whereas posting it on social media final month.
“The basketball community has lost a Legend,” the Nationwide Basketball Retired Gamers Affiliation wrote on social media. “Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Oliver Miller.”
Former Phoenix Suns’ Oliver Miller is launched throughout halftime of an NBA basketball sport in opposition to the Indiana Pacers in Phoenix, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023.
Darryl Webb / AP
Often called the “The Big O” for his 6-foot-9, 280-pound body that ballooned to properly over 300 kilos throughout his NBA profession, Miller was a standout at Arkansas from 1988-92. He averaged 12.2 factors and 6.5 rebounds in 4 seasons, serving to Naismith Corridor of Fame coach Nolan Richardson’s 1989-90 group attain the Remaining 4 earlier than shedding to Duke and incomes Southwest Convention Participant of the 12 months honors in 1991.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas mentioned in a social media put up. “A key member of the 1990 Final Four team, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first-round NBA draft pick and a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you Big O. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Present Arkansas males’s basketball coach John Calipari additionally paid tribute to Miller on social media.
“One of the most kind hearted people that was a competitor and a champion,” Calipari wrote. “Wish I could have gotten to know him better. Prayers to Big O and his family. RIP”
Arkansas’ Oliver Miller (25) drives to the basket throughout first half motion within the NCAA Southeast Regional on the Charlotte Coliseum in N.C., March 21, 1991.
Lynne Sladky / AP
Miller was drafted by Phoenix in 1992 with the No. 22 general choose. He went on to common 7.4 factors and 5.9 rebounds for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves. He additionally performed in Europe, the Continental Basketball Affiliation, the USA Basketball League and with the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Raptors held a second of silence for Miller earlier than their residence sport Wednesday night time in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers. Miller was chosen by Toronto because the final choose of the 1995 growth draft.
“He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions,” the Raptors mentioned on social media. “We send our deepest condolences to the Miller family.”
