Oliver Miller, a beefy middle who helped Arkansas advance to the Ultimate 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 dying on Wednesday, as did the Nationwide Basketball Retired Gamers Affiliation. A explanation for dying was not disclosed, however Arkansas had introduced throughout an occasion honoring its 1990 Ultimate 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.
Often known as the “The Large O” for his 6-foot-9, 280-pound body that ballooned to nicely 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 Ultimate 4 earlier than dropping to Duke and incomes Southwest Convention Participant of the Yr honors in 1991.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas mentioned in a social media put up. “A key member of the 1990 Ultimate 4 group, an SWC Corridor of Famer, a first-round NBA draft choose and a real embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you Large O. Our ideas are together with his household.”
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, america Basketball League and with the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Raptors held a second of silence for Miller earlier than their dwelling recreation 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 particular place in our historical past as a member of our inaugural group in 1995, and we’re so grateful for all his contributions,” the Raptors mentioned on social media. “We ship our deepest condolences to the Miller household.”
Reporting by The Related Press.
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