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

Oliver Miller, a beefy middle who helped Arkansas advance to the Remaining 4 earlier than enjoying 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 Remaining 4 staff that Miller had most cancers, and Miller thanked the staff for its video tribute to him whereas posting it on social media final month.

Generally known as the “The Massive 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 staff attain the Remaining 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 stated in a social media put up. “A key member of the 1990 Remaining 4 staff, an SWC Corridor of Famer, a first-round NBA draft choose and a real embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you Massive O. Our ideas are along with his household.”

Miller was drafted by Phoenix in 1992 with the No. 22 total 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 US Basketball League and with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The Raptors held a second of silence for Miller earlier than their dwelling recreation 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 staff 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.