Oliver Miller, middle who helped Arkansas attain Closing 4, dies at 54

Oliver Miller, a beefy middle who helped Arkansas advance to the Closing 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 behind demise was not disclosed, however Arkansas had introduced throughout an occasion honoring its 1990 Closing 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.

Referred to 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 Closing 4 earlier than dropping to Duke and incomes Southwest Convention Participant of the 12 months honors in 1991.

“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas stated in a social media submit. “A key member of the 1990 Closing 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 along 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, 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 towards 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 stated on social media. “We ship our deepest condolences to the Miller household.”

Reporting by The Related Press.